Internet Safety
Abusers may use technology to harass, scare, or control victims.
If you think you are being stalked or monitored, be aware of your online safety. Below are some suggestions from the National Network to End Domestic Violence and the NY Coalition Against Domestic Violence that may help you be safer.
- If you think you are in danger, try to use a computer that the offender does not have direct or remote access to, such as a computer at a public library or at a friend’s house.
- If you think you may be monitored on your home computer, do not stop using the computer. The person monitoring you may become suspicious if you delete your entire internet history or change your computer use. Instead, keep using the computer for ordinary activities, like looking up the weather, but use a safer computer to research safety plans, look for new jobs or apartments, or ask for help.
- Consider using “private browsing” which will allow you to surf the internet without the browser collecting a history. Go to TechSafety.org for tips on internet browser privacy.
- Email and instant/text messaging (IM) are not safe or confidential ways to talk to someone about the abuse in your life. If possible, please call a hotline instead.
- If you need to remove your personal information from the internet, read this article from Livewire.
- If you need to disconnect your devices from your ex-partner, check your devices for spyware, or turn on extra security to your devices, please use these step-by-step How To Guides.
- Use this Digital Break-up Tool to help you secure commonly used apps on your phone, laptop, or tablet.
Additional Resources from the NNEDV
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) has a Technology Safety & Privacy Toolkit for Survivors in English and in Spanish. The toolkit has safety tips and privacy strategies for survivors on the use of technology.
View the Securing Devices and Accounts privacy and security focused guide for survivors of abuse stalking, and other gender-based violence.
Cell Phone Safety
If you are worried that someone is tracking what you do on the internet, remember that smartphones may be less safe and private than computers. Here are some tips that may help you be safer:
- Put a passcode on your phone and make sure that person does not know it.
- Make sure your phone is not sharing your location with them.
- If you don’t want that person to know what you are looking at on the internet, think about using a device that they can’t look through, like a friend’s phone or a library computer.
For more tips, please see these tips on cell phone safety and privacy.
Safety Check on iPhone
If your personal safety is at risk, you can use Safety Check on iPhone (running iOS 16 or later) to:
- immediately stop all sharing and access (“Emergency Reset”), or
- help disconnect with people, apps or devices you no longer want to be connected to (“Manage Sharing”).
Safety Check is an easy-to-use feature that can help you stop sharing things like your “Home”, your location in “Find My” and your calendar and notes. It also allows you to change your passcode and update your emergency contacts.
NOTE: If you use Safety Check, people may notice if you stop sharing your information with them. When you end sharing relationships, you may lose access to data such as shared photos and notes.
To learn more, read the Personal Safety User Guide for Apple Devices or watch this short video.
Canceling Cell Phone and Internet Contracts
If you are a domestic violence victim and have a shared cell phone contract or internet service contract with the person who is abusing you, you can cancel or opt-out of these contracts without paying a penalty or fee. You must provide an attestation (a signed document) stating that you are a victim of domestic violence. The cell phone or internet provider cannot require you to share confidential information or details about your being a victim.
Domestic violence victims can also cancel shared utility and cable or satellite service contracts.
For more information, please see the legislation.