Angus Partnership on Domestic Abuse
Cover Your Tracks
If an abuser knows how to read your computer's history or cache file (automatically saved web pages and graphics), they may be able to see information which you have recently viewed on the internet.
You can clear your history or empty your cache file in your browser's settings.
- Internet Explorer: Pull down Tools menu, select Internet Options. On General page, under Temporary Internet Files, click on Delete Files. Under History click on Clear History.
- AOL: Pull down Members menu, select Preferences. Click on WWW icon. Then select Advanced. Purge Cache. If an abuser has access to your e-mail account, they may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail.
- Firefox: Pull down Tools menu, select Clear Private Data. Make sure Browsing History and Cache are ticked, then click Clear Private Data Now.
If you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose a password that an abuser will not be able to guess.
If you must or already have sent an email that may endanger you from a computer you share with your abuser, follow the instructions below to delete the email.
- delete the email from the Out or Sent Items box of your email program
- then delete it from the Deleted Items or Trash.
If you have received an email that would endanger you if your abuser saw it,
- delete the email from your In or Received box
- then delete it from the Deleted Items or Trash.
If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing e-mail messages, they may be printed and saved as evidence of this abuse. The messages may constitute an offence.
This information may not completely hide your tracks. Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites. The safest way to find information on the net, would be at a local library, a friend's house, or at work.