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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.

Below are a few strategies to help your organization begin to consider safety in its communication policies. 

  • Modify your organization’s communication, record keeping, and confidentiality policies to include technology security issues. For example, if your organization keeps records, make sure they are not on a computer that is connected to the internet or in a location where outsiders can access it.
  • If your organization is using an Internet-based database for victim records, designate a computer to use only for that purpose. To minimize risk, do not store other files on that computer or use it to connect to the internet.
  • Update your organization’s website safety information for victims searching for support online. In order to ensure that your website is accessible to all survivors, work to make your website accessible to assistive technologies such as screen readers.
  • Create organizational policies that address how to respond to emails from victims. When reviewing policies, consider the possibility that abusers may be monitoring the victim's email account or computer, so policies should focus on how to increase safety and always provide informed consent.
  • Evaluate data collection and sharing policies to keep victim data out of the hands of stalkers, abusers, and members of the public that may work for other social service or public organizations.