NextStep is Safety and Survivor-First. Clicking ‘Back’, ‘Forward’, or ‘Leave Site’ buttons will quickly exit you from this website.
While no computer, device or browser can be 100% secure against an abuser, we have included extra safety measures on our website to protect your browsing activity. If you ever feel unsafe while visiting our website or your abuser enters the room, you can quickly exit our site:
Hitting Back, Forward or the Leave Site link will redirect you to weather.com and delete your browsing history from this page. Our website limits your browser’s Back and Forward buttons in an attempt to hide the pages you visit on this site.
We recommend you use Google Chrome on Android/Mac/PC for the most secure browsing experience on this site as described above.
At this time, Apple’s iOS devices and Mozilla’s Firefox browser are less secure. We are working to develop the same security features on these browsers.
Regardless of browser, we recommend you always clear your browser history and/or surf incognito even on trusted devices and networks.
Learn More About Staying Safe Online
If you believe someone is monitoring your devices, we recommend you visit this site from a device that person has no physical or remote access to, like a public computer, or use your browser’s incognito window to browse this page privately.
Our colleagues at the National Domestic Violence Hotline compiled this list of tips and information to help protect yourself online:
INTERNET SAFETY
As you surf the internet on your computer, the places you visit are stored on the computer you use. Bills you pay and purchases you make are tracked. Instant messages and emails can be retrieved. Keep in mind that as you use a computer, it might be monitored. Safe computers can be found at the local library, internet café, shelter, work or computer technology center. Always use safe computers when researching things such as travel plans, housing options, legal issues and safety plans.EMAIL
Your abuser could have access to your email account. To be safe, open an email account your partner does not know about on a safe computer and use that account for safety planning and sensitive communications. It is a good idea to keep your monitored account active with non-critical emails in order to maintain appearances.CELL PHONE
Cell phones can be a beacon, tracking your exact location in real time. Call and text history can also be retrieved by an abusive partner. Additionally, a location tracking device (GPS) can be placed on your car or in your purse. Consider purchasing a pay as you go phone that you keep in a safe place to allow you to make calls.SOCIAL MEDIA
Only post things you want the public to see or know. Once it’s online, it’s no longer under your control. Be protective of your personal information. Your phone numbers and addresses enable people to contact you directly, and things like your birth date, the schools you attended, your employer and photos with landmarks may make it easier for someone to find where you live, hang out or go to school. Set boundaries and limits. Tell people not to post personal information, negative comments or check-ins about you on social media. Ask people not to post or tag pictures if you’re not comfortable with it. Keep your passwords private – there is no need to share passwords to social media accounts with anyone. If you have a friend in an abusive relationship DO NOT post information about them without getting their permission. You could jeopardize their safety.
We highly recommend this easy-to-understand, yet comprehensive guide put together by the team of cyber-security experts at ExpressVPN to keep yourself safe online specifically in situations involving domestic abuse.
Their guide will “empower you to turn technology into a powerful shield” that enables you to plan for your own safety, to protect, and ultimately liberate yourself.
Follow their guidance to:
Secure your phones
Determine if you can trust your computer
Back up your most important data
Securely establish contact with friends in relatives
Gain some control of your finances
We also recommend the resources on TechSafety.org – in English or in Spanish
This website uses HTTPS, which means encryption keeps any personal information you might enter on this website is only between you and NextStep.