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If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, call 911 or your local hotline or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233 voice), 1-800-787-3224 (tty). There is always a computer trail, but you can click ESCAPE to leave the site quickly.

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Making Your Website Safer

For many women who are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, the internet is a place to find community, resources, and information about safety. Many women have been successful in using the internet for research and community, but it should be understood that technology is not always the safest way to seek such assistance.

Abusers, perpetrators and stalkers are notorious for using creative strategies to get information about victims/survivors. Because of this, working with systems such as social services or law enforcement over the internet can increase someone's risk. Many times an abuser, perpetrator, or stalker is able to monitor the websites a woman is visiting, read the emails she sends and track financial matters or plans for safety through the computer she uses. Abusers, perpetrators, and stalkers may even be able to use SpyWare to remotely monitor another person’s computer. Furthermore, victims/ survivors that use pagers or other technology assistance may be at risk, as they may rely on those devises for all contact with service providers and for contact with friends and family.

Some nonprofit organizations and government agencies may be embracing technology without a thorough understanding of potential unintended consequences. There are a number of things advocates can do, though, within their organizations to improve the response to victims and increase victim/survivor safety, including:

  • As data systems become increasingly interconnected, it is vital that organizations anticipate and minimize the potential for harm to victims/survivors by securing the confidentiality of all communications and reexamining and minimizing any data about survivors that is collected, stored, or shared.
  • Organizations can take steps to ensure that its own website is safe and informative for all clients. It can also work with other agencies to educate around website safety.
  • Advocates can educate and train staff about both the positive benefits of technology and also how abusers are misusing technology to stalk people or further violate them.
  • Organizations can inform and educate victims/ survivors regarding the issues as well as train them in ways to safely use technology.

Additionally, since some victims will inevitably request online assistance or advocacy, it is critical for advocates to think proactively through all safety, confidentiality, stalking, and monitoring possibilities, and, to create survivor-centered organizational practices that increase confidentiality, informed consent, and safety planning. 1. You can find more strategies for advocates in a separate section.

Related Links

1Finn, Jerry. Domestic Violence Organizations Online: Risks, Ethical Dilemmas, and Liability Issues. 2001; Kranz, Ann L. Survivors of intimate violence seek help online: Implications of responding to increasing requests. 2001.