Internet safety
If you’re worried about someone knowing you have visited these pages, please read below for information on increasing your safety online.
Staying safe
We have added quick links to the Google and BBC homepages on every domestic violence page in case you need to log out quickly. Please note that this is only a temporary solution and that anyone can access the previous page by simply using the 'back' button.
If an abuser has access to your email account, they may be able to read your incoming and outgoing emails. To help make sure your email account is secure, always use a password that other people will not be able to guess. If an abuser sends you threatening or abusive email messages, these can be printed and used as evidence of abuse.
History/cache file
If an abuser knows how to read your computer’s history or cache file (this automatically saves and stores web pages and graphics), they may be able to see internet pages you have viewed recently. It is quite easy to clear your history or empty the cache file in your browser’s settings. (the browser is the software you use to access the internet).
Internet Explorer
Select ‘Tools’ menu Select ‘Internet Options’ On ‘General’ page, under ‘Temporary Internet Files’, select ‘Delete Files’. On ‘General’ page, under ‘History’ select ‘Clear History’
Firefox
Select ‘Firefox’ menu Select ‘Privacy’ In ‘History’ section, make sure ‘remember visited pages…’ option is NOT selected In ‘Private data’ section, select ‘Clear Now’, then select all options and select ‘Clear Private Data Now’
Please note that this information may not hide the pages you visit completely. Some types of browser have features that display ‘recently visited sites’. The safest way to find information on the internet is on a computer that you know an abuser cannot access - at a local library, a friend’s house or at work.