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Tech Safety

 

If you have recently left an abuser, take a break from social media.

 


Here are some additional things to consider to keep yourself safe...

  • When it is safe to return to social media, there are instructions on how to make your account more private. Look under account settings or privacy settings.
     

  • Change your passwords or start new accounts. When answering security questions for resetting passwords or verifications, make up fake answers that your abuser can not guess. Abusers may try to access your account by guessing the password and logging into the account. 
     

  • Block anyone from seeing your posts who might relay this information to your abuser. This may mean you only share with very close trusted friends who aren't friends with your abuser on any social media platform.
     

  • Check for postings you've have been tagged in. Tagging may allow others to find your timeline. Use your privacy setting to approve all tags before they appear on your timeline.
     

  • Be cautious as to who you accept as "Friends". Abusers can set up new identities. If a name comes up to re-friend, contact this person directly and make sure it isn't an imposter.
     

  • Liking or commenting on public posts take on the privacy settings that person or organization has set for that item. You may be seen by many more people than you realize.
     

  • Many smartphones have GPS which will automatically show your location when you take a picture and share it with them. Turn this feature OFF. If you don't know how, contact the phone maker and get instructions. These phones will reveal your location any time they are turned on.
     

  • Turn on login notifications either by email or text message if someone tries to access your account from a computer or device that you haven't used before. You can manage the devices that are allowed to have access to your account and delete an abuser's device.

We have provided a  Quick Close button at the top right of your monitor screen. Clicking this button will take you to Google. This will enable you to leave this site to help prevent discovery and protect your privacy.

 

If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, or call 911 or our local hotline at

814-274-0240 or toll free at 1-877-334-3136. There is always a computer trail, but you can clear your web browser's cache, cookies, and history to make discovery a bit more difficult.

 

For instructions on how to clear your computer history, click HERE.

 

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Disclaimer

This app was funded through award #2014-VF-GX-K017 from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of DOJ.

 

Copyright © 2016 National Network to End Domestic Violence. All Rights Reserved.

There's an app for that!

Welcome to the Tech Safety App. This app contains information that can help someone identify technology-facilitated harassment, stalking, or abuse and includes tips on what can be done.

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This app explores six categories:

 

  • Harassment

  • Impersonation

  • Cellphone safety

  • Device safety

  • Location safety

  • Online safety
     

Under each category, more information is provided with specific explanations on what someone can do if they are being harassed as well as privacy tips that can be used to increase privacy and security. The Tech Safety App also includes additional resources on documenting abuse, talking with an advocate, contacting police, getting an attorney, and where to call for help.

 

Who is This App For?

This educational and resource app was created for anyone who thinks they might be experiencing harassment or abuse through technology or wants to learn more about how to increase their privacy and security while using technology. Although this app contains information about what you can do if you are being harassed or abused, it is not meant to be a comprehensive safety plan. Each situation can be different and there is no one-solution-fits-all approach. Use this app as a guide or a starting point, but if you are being abused or harmed, consider reaching out to someone. You can talk to a domestic violence advocate, sexual assault counselor, police, or someone you trust.

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