Using the internet safely

Tips for women and young people whose safety is at risk.

The following material is also available as a fact sheet, available for download (PDF 146 KB).

The internet can help

Many people find the internet a useful source of information and support. This includes people who may experience violence from a partner or other family member. For example, you can find information online about your legal rights and options, and what services are available.

Many people find it useful to read about other people's experiences of violence, and what has helped them. You can contact many support services confidentially via email. Email is also a good way to keep in touch with friends or family, especially if you may be moving addresses a lot. It can even be a way to store information electronically. For example, you can scan important documents and email them to a private Yahoo email account.

Safety matters

However, it is important to learn how to use the internet safely, especially if you are living with a person who may use violence against you. Remember, family violence is not just physical. It can also include emotional or verbal abuse, threatening you, or anything else that makes you feel unsafe.

Sometimes people who use violence can be very controlling, for example trying to check up on or control what you do, who you see or where you go. You may not want them to be able to find out which websites you have visited, or to read emails you have sent, especially if they relate to family violence.

This section covers a number of issues related to safer internet use. We have tried to keep the language simple, but some sections are a bit technical, especially for people without much computer experience. It might be useful to refer to a glossary of the terms used. There are also people that can help, including family violence support workers like those at Women's Health West.

SAFETY TIPS

General safety tips

Using email safety

Safe surfing

Glossary

USEFUL WEBSITES: We have links to a whole range of useful websites for women and young people, including people affected by family violence.
FIND OUT MORE about our range of women's health information and promotion services and activities, including more fact sheets.
FIND OUT MORE about our research into women's health and safety issues.