Internet activities

How can an abuser discover your internet activities?

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Please take a few minutes to read the warning below and to take steps to increase your safety when using the internet.

Email

If an abuser has access to your email account, they may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose a password that an abuser will not be able to guess.

If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing email messages, they may be printed and saved as evidence of this abuse.

History/cache file

If an abuser knows how to read your computer's history or cache file (automatically saved web pages and graphics), they may be able to see information you have viewed recently on the internet. You can clear your history or empty your cache file in your browser's settings.

• Netscape
  

  Pull down the 'Edit' menu, select 'Preferences'. Click on 'Navigator' and click 'Clear History'. Click on Advanced then select Cache. Click on 'Clear Disk Cache'. On older versions of Netscape: Pull down Options menu. Select Network Options, Select Cache. Click on 'Clear Disk Cache'.

• Internet explorer
  

  Pull down Tools menu, select Internet Options. On General tab, under Temporary Internet Files, click 'Delete Files'. Under History click 'Clear History'.

• AOL
  

  Pull down Members menu, select Preferences. Click on the www. icon. Then select Advanced. Purge Cache.

This information may not completely hide your tracks. Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites. The safest way to find information on the internet, would be at a local library, a friend's house, or at work.

Copyright © 2003 Women's Aid Federation of England. All rights reserved.