Staying Safer Online

 

Your browsing leaves traces.

Browser history, saved searches, and autofill can show the sites you’ve visited — even after using the exit button. Deleting history helps, but on a shared or monitored device it may not remove everything, and a suddenly empty history can itself raise suspicion.

The exit button helps in the moment, not after.

The red “Exit This Site” button takes you quickly to an unrelated website and removes this page from your back button. It does not erase your history or hide that you visited earlier.

Safer ways to browse

• • Use a device the person monitoring you doesn’t have access to — a friend’s phone, a work computer, or a public library computer. Public libraries are free, no account needed, and librarians won’t ask why.

• • Private or incognito windows don’t save history on that device. They don’t hide activity from someone who can see your screen, and they don’t hide it from monitoring software or whoever controls your network.

• • If it’s safe to do so, call instead: 803-649-0480, any time. If you’re worried about phone records, the same guidance applies — a phone the person doesn’t monitor is safer.

Beyond the browser

Monitoring isn’t only about websites. A few other things worth knowing, each only if it applies to you:

• • Shared accounts can reveal activity. A shared Apple, Google, or Amazon account may show browsing, purchases, location, or messages on someone else’s device. You don’t have to change anything now — just be aware of what’s connected.

• • Phones can share location. Family-sharing features, “find my phone” tools, and some apps share where you are. Turning these off can be noticed, so consider timing and safety first.

• • Email and texts can be read on any device signed in to your accounts. For sensitive communication, an account the person doesn’t know about — created from a safer device — is an option.

If any of this raises questions about your situation, our advocates can talk through it with you — that’s part of what the hotline is for.

If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.

More resources

These organizations offer confidential help and deeper guides on technology safety. Links open in a new window.

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  • National Domestic Violence Hotline — 24/7 support by phone (1-800-799-7233), text (text START to 88788), or live chat on their website.

• • Safety Net — Technology Safety for Survivors — detailed guides on phones, location sharing, accounts, and online privacy, from the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

• • RAINN — support for survivors of sexual violence, 24/7: 1-800-656-4673 or online chat.

• • SCCADVASA — South Carolina’s coalition against domestic violence and sexual assault, with statewide resources and member organizations.

You know your situation best. Whatever you choose to do — or not do — with the information on this page is up to you.