Using the internet safely: General safety tips

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

Check information from the internet carefully

There is a lot of information online, not all of it is relevant or reliable. Good websites should provide the name and contacts for whoever provided the content. It's also important to remember that Australian, even Victorian websites will probably be more relevant, especially when it comes to things like the law, or what services are available. Before you make any decisions based on online information, it's a good idea to check it with a support worker, such as a family violence worker, community legal service worker, solicitor, counsellor or other service.

Find a safe place to use a computer

Sometimes the easiest way to keep your internet use private is to use a computer which is not at home. For example, you might use a friend's computer, or one at work or school. All libraries provide free internet access, as do many community centres and neighbourhood houses. Internet cafes can also be reasonably cheap and accessible. You can find out about your local libraries and community centres from your council, or go to the Australian Library Gateway. Click on ‘map search’, then on ‘Melbourne’.

Save emails that may help you in court

If a person who is using or has used violence against you makes unwanted or threatening contact via email, it may be useful to keep this as evidence should you apply for an intervention order. This is a court order which requires that person to stay away from you. If the emails are distressing, start a new email account for emailing others, and perhaps forward the unwanted emails to your previous inbox to police or your case worker.

SAFETY TIPS

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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.
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