Cover Your Internet Tracks

Introduction

• Think that the internet is a safe place to get information?  It is, but every time you visit an internet website or search for something on the web, your computer leaves behind a trail of evidence. 
• So, if you are a victim sexual assault or any kind of woman abuse, you don’t want your partner to find out that you are searching for information on the Internet.
• There are ways to erase the trails that your computer automatically creates. 
• Following the steps below should clear your browser’s history and cache files, but it is in no way a guarantee that information will not be left in your browser.  
• If you are in an abusive relationship and use the Internet to search for information, do not do it on your own computer if possible unless you have a complete understanding of how to erase the browser’s history and cache files.

Clearing History & Cache Files in Internet Explorer

• In the menu, click on Tools.
• Click on Internet Options.
• In General Options under Temporary Internet Files, Click on Delete Files. This will clear your browser's cache.
• Under History, Click on Clear History. This will clear the pages you've recently visited.

Clearing History & Cache Files in Netscape

• In the menu, click on Edit.
• Click on Preferences.
• In the left-hand column, Click on Navigator and then on the right side Click on Clear History. This will clear the pages you've recently visited.
• Underneath that, Click on Clear Location Bar. This will clear the list of sites in your browser's location bar.
• Back in the left-hand column, Click on Advanced. Click on Cache and then Click on Clear Disk Cache. This will clear your browser's cache.

Clearing History & Cache Files in AOL's Browser

• In the menu, click on My AOL.
• Click on Preferences.
• Click on the WWW icon and then under Temporary Internet Files Click on Delete Files.
• Then under History click Clear History.

Cover Your Email Tracks

• Be sure to delete any outgoing and incoming e-mails.
• Change your e-mail password often.
• Print all threatening and harassing e-mails to use as evidence of criminal activity. Do not handle the situation alone - contact the police for help.