Offering support for victims in Sanders & Mineral Counties in Montana.
Offering support for victims in Sanders & Mineral Counties in Montana.
If you are in an abusive relationship, visiting this site may put you at risk. Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself:
E-mail: If your abuser has access to your computer, he or she may be able to read your incoming and outgoing e-mail. Make sure you select a password that no one else can guess, and remember that deleted e-mail may still be on your computer in a folder called "Trash" or "Deleted Mail". To remove items from these folders, select the "Empty Deleted Items" or "Empty Trash" option, which is often found on the "Edit" menu.
Web Browser: The sites you visit on the Internet are automatically saved in a "History" file on your PC that can be accessed by anyone. To remove pages from your history, perform the following steps (remember that EACH time you visit this site, you must repeat these steps):
Internet Explorer users: Click on "Tools" in your top menu, then "Internet Options". Click the buttons labeled "Clear History" or "Delete History". Also Click "Delete Files" under "Temporary Internet Files".
Netscape users: Click on "Edit" in your top menu, then "Preferences". Under "Navigator" in the "History" section, click on "Clear History" and "Clear Location Bar".
There are hundreds of ways that computers record everything you do while on the computer and on the Internet.
If you are in danger, please try to use a safe computer that your abuser does not have access to including remote (hacking) access to.
It might be safer to use a computer in a public library, at a community technology center, at a trusted friend's house or an internet Café.
If you think your activities are being monitored, they probably are. Abusive people are often controlling and want to know your every move. You don't need to be a computer programmer or have special skills to monitor someone's computer activities - anyone can do it and there are many ways to monitor.
Computers can provide a lot of information about what you look at on the Internet, the e-mails you send, and other activities. It is not possible to delete or clear all computer "footprints".
Email is not a safe or confidential way to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life, please call us instead 1-800-265-0415 or 406-827-3745. Traditional "corded" phones are more private than cell phones or cordless phones.
Global Positioning Systems
Do you feel like your abuser is showing up where you are for no reason?
Does your abuser seem to know every place you have been?
Your abuser may be tracking your every move. Global Position Systems (GPS) can be placed on your car and the newer cell phones have GPS built into them.
If you suspect that your abuser has installed a GPS tracking system on your car take your car to the police or a mechanic to have your car inspected. If a GPS system is found have the mechanic document where it was found and give the device to the police. The device is usually located in one of four places on your car.
Under the Hood
Under Front Bumper
Under Back Bumper
Underneath the seat and/or dashboard
If your vehicle is equipped with On-Star then your vehicle has a GPS system installed on it. Be sure to contact On-Star and let them know your situation and to not give out any information to any one regarding your vehicle. It is also be important to let them know that you are the only person allowed to call to have your doors unlocked.
Check with the cell phone service provider to see if your phone has a GPS system. This is a great security device. But, if your abuser gave you the cell phone or it is a cell phone you had during your relationship - get a new phone with a new number.
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