leaving the abuser

Keeping Yourself Safe
( While Getting the Information You Need )

Keeping yourself and your children safe while getting the information you will need to make a smooth transition to a violence free life is essential. When an abusive partner discovers that the victim is obtaining resources, learning that domestic violence is wrong, threatening to leave or planning a get away, the abuse can and most often does increase. Please use common sense and follow the basic guidances listed here.

DO NOT save this address as a bookmark on your browser (the software that allows you to access the internet). Write the address down and hide it where you know your partner will not find it. You may want to write this address in such a way that the abusive partner will not know what it is. You can also memorize the address.

Always exit the browser software completely and turn off the computer. Most browsers will keep a log of where you have been on the internet. Learn how the browser you use saves this information on to your computer.

Locate the cache and cookie files on your hard drive. The information in these files are created when visiting web sites. Delete the information in these files. Most often the contents of these files are only computer jargon, but there is a possibilty that the web sites you have visited can be traced from these files. Every browser will create and store this information differently. Refer to your manual or visit your browser’s homepage to more information.

If you have concerns about this information stored on your computer and how this occurs, contact the technical support department at your internet server (i.e. Callamerica, AOL, FIX.NET, etc).

Hide brochures and other information on shelter services. You can also store them at a friend’s or family member’s house if it is safe to do so.  Contact us to find help locally.