Safety Notice

Always keep in mind that everything you do on a computer or the Internet is recorded.

Computers keep records of your online browsing, email correspondence, and other activities. The “footprints” left by computers cannot be completely removed or erased. It might be safer to use a computer at a public library, an Internet café, or a trusted friend’s house if you believe you are being watched on your home computer.

• Internet: Use the steps below to empty your browser’s cache or clear your browser’s history:
  Internet Explorer: To delete browsing history, select Delete Browsing History from the Tools menu, then click “delete all” in the resulting dialogue box.
• Internet Options can be found under the View menu in earlier versions of Internet Explorer. Click “Delete Files” on the General page’s Temporary Internet Files section. Click “Clear History” under “History.”
• Netscape: Click Preferences from the Edit menu. ‘Clear History’ can be accessed by clicking Navigator. Select Cache by selecting Advanced. the “Clear Disk Cache” button. Pull down the options menu in Netscape versions older than that. Choose Cache from the Network Options menu. the “Clear Disk Cache” button.
• Firefox: Pull down the “Tools” menu in Firefox. Go to “Clear Private Data” and click. Choose “Browsing History,” “Cache,” and “Cookies.” Press the “Clear Private Data Now” button.
• AOL: Click the Members menu and choose Preferences. Choose the WWW icon. Select Advanced next. Delete Cache. Even with this information, you might still be discovered. Recently visited sites can be seen in a variety of browser types. Finding information on the internet in a secure environment would be best done at the office, a friend’s house, or a local library.

Email Providers

Email isn’t always a secure or private way to discuss risk or abuse in your life with someone. It’s possible for someone with access to your email account to read both your incoming and outgoing mail. Make sure the password you choose is difficult to decipher.

Regularly alter your password. Delete all emails from your sent and inbox folders. Check your address book and remove any contacts you think might cause suspicion. Some email programs automatically save the addresses of emails you’ve sent and received.

Make sure to print and save any threatening or harassing emails you receive. Even though you might be tempted to delete them, especially if they are upsetting, they are proof and could be useful in helping you establish that a crime has been committed.

Phone Calls & Texts

Never forget to delete text messages you’ve sent or received, unless an abuser sent them. Do not respond to any threatening or harassing text messages; instead, keep them as proof. These messages can be downloaded and printed by the Garda.

Make sure to remove any text message delivery reports that may have been saved on your phone.
Please be aware that traditional landlines are more private than mobile or cordless phones when making calls. However, if the abuser has access to itemised bills, using a landline might not be appropriate.

Keep in mind to regularly review the call log on your mobile or cordless phone and remove any numbers that might raise questions.