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If your abuser uses the same computer as you, they may be able to find out what web pages you've been looking at (for instance, this one).

The easiest solution is to use a different computer - perhaps at a friend's place, work, an internet cafe or a public library. To keep emails secret, create a new email account and only use this account at a computer that your abuser can't use.

If you have to use your home computer, you can make it harder for someone to check what you're doing.

Change your login password, and the password on your email account regularly, and make sure it's a password that your abuser can't guess (it should have letters and numbers in it). Make sure the box that says "remember my password on this computer" is not ticked.
When you have finished using email, click the sign out button.
Your internet browser keeps a list of sites recently visited, and someone who uses the computer after you can look at this list. The links below give instructions about how to delete the list. You need to delete the list every time you use the internet.

Your internet browser keeps a list of sites recently visited, and someone who uses the computer after you can look at this list. The links below give instructions about how to delete the list. You need to delete the list every time you use the internet.

Internet Explorer: www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx
Opera: http://www.opera.com/browser/tutorials/security/shared/
Netscape: http://help.aol.com/help/microsites/microsite.do?cmd=displayKCPopup&docType=kc&externalId=15100
Firefox: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Clearing+private+data

Use a different browser to the one your abuser uses. You can download browsers, such as Opera or Firefox, for free.

Important: Save the program in a folder, and don't put a shortcut on the desktop.

Someone who is very determined to know what you are doing with your computer could install "spyware" or keylogging software on your computer. This software records everything you have typed and every webpage you've looked at.

Some anti-virus programs protect against spyware, but the best way to protect yourself is use a computer that your abuser cannot use

Last updated: Thursday, July 01, 2010