Private and Safe Internet Searching
It’s going to be OK
Use the information on this page to protect yourself and your family
Need immediate assistance?
In immediate danger?
DIGITAL SAFETY TIPS
Firstly, in a pinch — at the bottom left of every web page, you will see an “escape this site” button which you can click any time to be taken to a neutral website.
When you visit a webpage, you leave tracks of where you’ve been. Even after you close your browser, a digital footprint remains. This means that someone can see which sites you’ve been looking at online in just a few clicks.
The best option is to use a safe computer, like one at work, a friend’s house, or the library. If you are using a home computer or shared device (phone, tablet), make sure you delete your browsing history when you are done or use a private browser. How to do this will vary depending on your internet browser. Follow these steps and protect your safety and privacy.
1. Go into incognito / private mode on your browser
2. Delete the browser history entries in this browser
3. Then you can safely surf our site and simply close the browser window to maintain your safety and privacy
Here are two easy-to-understand articles recommended by our Family-Friendly Orillia IT Pro team PurkTech by ComputerWorld, and How-To Geek.
Desktop -Laptop – Apple – Macbook
Mobile – iPhone – Android
Other Helpful Safety Tips
Make a plan
Risk management regarding safety for you and your children in homes with a dangerous partner is a critical issue. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency number.
It’s essential to make a plan to keep you and your children safe. Ask someone you trust to help you or contact local services. Even if you’re not planning to leave the relationship, a safety plan can help if the abuse worsens. Decide how you can leave quickly or stay safe.
Tell someone you trust about the abuse. Think about your partner’s past use and level of force. This will help you predict danger and decide when to leave.
Create a plan to leave your home safely and practice it with your children. Choose the closest place to call for help, such as a coffee shop or neighbour’s house.
Teach children how to call the police and stay on the phone until the police arrive.
Ready-to go backpack
One part of safety planning is to have a backpack, ready to grab in case you need to make a quick exit.
Some things to remember in to place in this pack, include:
* Some clothes for you and your loved ones that are leaving, and hygiene essentials.
* Important documents, like:
o Birth certificates
o Passports
o Immigration papers
o Social insurance numbers
o Health cards
* Create an extra set of house or car keys, that can be used for a quick exit, and place then in a secure area of the backpack; where you can easily grab them and go.
* Medications and prescriptions.
* If you have children, try to pack a special item or toy that may comfort them in the coming days.