{"id":25594,"date":"2023-03-03T15:27:52","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T15:27:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/?page_id=25594"},"modified":"2025-12-05T09:35:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T09:35:15","slug":"cover-your-tracks-online","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/womensaid.org.uk\/information-support\/what-is-domestic-abuse\/cover-your-tracks-online\/","title":{"rendered":"Cover your tracks online"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Cover your tracks online<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Warning: if you are worried about someone knowing you have visited this\u00a0<\/span>website<\/span> please read the following safety information.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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General security \u2013 be aware<\/strong><\/h2>

This guide contains technical advice about what is possible to protect your devices (including your children\u2019s devices, if you have children), but different parts of this may need to happen at different times. This will depend on your individual circumstances. For example, if you change your password, someone may realise this has happened when they attempt to log in and this could lead to them escalating their behaviours. Your safety is the most important thing<\/strong> and some of this might be for you to consider at a later stage, for instance, when no longer in immediate danger or you have left the situation. It is completely normal to want to get rid of a device or remove their access, but before you do this, you can be strategic about how to plan for your safety. If it would be helpful to talk this through with someone, please use a safe device to contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline<\/a>. The National Helpline is available for free, 24-7<\/strong> on 0808 2000 247. You can talk to their team online<\/a>\u00a0Monday to Friday 10am-10pm and 10am-6pm on weekends.<\/p>

If you do not use a password to log on to your computer, someone else may be able to access your email (if your email password is saved on the device or you don\u2019t log out after checking your email) and track your internet usage. Make sure to log out after checking your email by pressing File then Log out, rather than pressing the X to close the email window.<\/p>

The following information may not completely hide your tracks.<\/b>\u202fMany browser types have features that display recently visited sites. There is also spyware that can be used more secretly to track your activity. The safest way to find information on the internet, would be at a local library, a friend\u2019s house, or at work.<\/p>

These safety planning tips are focused on technology. If you want to leave your relationship and you\u2019re looking for more information on how to do this safely, visit our Safety Planning page in The Survivors\u2019 Handbook<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>

If you’re 14-17<\/strong>, visit the Love Respect Staying safe online<\/a> section and if you’re 18-24<\/strong>, visit our Online and digital abuse<\/a> hub.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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How can an abuser discover your internet activities?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>

Please take a few minutes to read the warning below and to take steps to increase your safety when visiting this website.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

As a rule, internet browsers will save certain information as you surf the internet. This includes images from websites visited, information entered into search engines and a trail (\u2018history\u2019) that reveals the sites you have visited. Please follow the instructions below to minimize the chances of someone finding out that you have visited this website.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

If you know what browser you are using, then skip to the relevant instructions below. If you do not know the type of browser you are using, you can find the Help menu by clicking on the button with the ellipsis\/three dots at the top right hand corner of the browser screen. A drop down menu will appear, and if you choose the option starting with \u201cHelp\u201d, another dropdown will appear and there will be an entry saying About Google Chrome, About Microsoft Edge, About Safari or something similar. The entry refers to which browser type you are using \u2013 you should then refer to the relevant instructions below. Alternatively, go to \u201cWhat\u2019s My Browser\u201d, a website that will let you know which browser type you are using.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

More on your browser:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>