How Domestic Violence Victims Can Protect Themselves Online

A few days ago, I saw that a local technology business made a social post about October being cyber security month. At the time, I really didn't give it much thought. As I went on about my day, I started to get frustrated. What was I forgetting? And then, I got a few text messages from my husband asking what I wanted for dinner. It finally clicked. 

October is a month of dual significance - Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Cybersecurity Awareness Month.  

When I escaped my abuser, I didn't have to worry about technology, especially not at the level we do today. I didn't own a computer, and I certainly couldn't send texts or browse social media.  

The digital world brings new challenges to survivors. Technology can be both a blessing and a curse because it can provide empowerment and normalcy or make a situation much more dangerous. It's important to remember that there is a delicate balance between using the internet to stay connected and safeguarding ourselves from potential threats. Keep reading to learn about online threats and how survivors can protect themselves in the digital space.  

Surveillance Software 

One of the most insidious ways abusers can maintain control is through surveillance software on digital devices, including cell phones, tablets, and computers. This software quietly operates in the background, without the user even knowing. Even worse, this software can track what you've been doing even if you delete your internet history or use incognito mode on your browser.  
 

If the abuser is tech-savvy, they can also find temporary files all over your computer. Not only can they find your internet history on a web browser, but they can also access cache data stored on your device after visiting a website. Cookie files can also automatically save onto your computer and show websites you've visited and any information you entered, including your name, address, and more. 

You can take a few precautions to reduce your risk if you don't have access to public computers at local libraries or your job. Change the settings on your web browser to avoid data files being stored. Google provides information on how to do that. You should also disable autofill on all websites, which can give away your address and location. 

The Dangers of Social Media 

Social media is a common hunting ground for abusers seeking information about their victims. While the safest way to avoid the risks is to avoid social media, many people still have their accounts for support and connections. The good news is that there are simple steps to mitigate your risk on social accounts. 
 

All social media accounts should be private to limit who can see your posts and information. You should also review your friend's list, as abusers may have someone spying on you. 
 

Practice selective engagement when operating outside your personal page. Be mindful of the pages, groups, and people you interact with online. Something as simple as liking a local restaurant's page or post can tip abusers off your location. 

While you should avoid posting updates in real-time, you should be even more careful of the images you and others may post. Uploaded images can have location information embedded in the file, so all someone has to do is download the image and look at its details. They don't even need special software to do this; they can do it directly from their phone in the photos app. 

What Next?

Keep in mind that the more desperate an abuser gets to find you, the more leads they will follow to do just that. October will come and go, but the dangers of technology will not. It's crucial to always think about what you do online, even when you escape your abuser. Don't just take safety seriously in the physical world; your digital footprint can lead dangerous abusers directly to your doorstep. 
 

To learn more about digital safety, you can visit The National Network to End Domestic Violence website, which provides several in-depth resources on protecting yourself.