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Domestic Violence (DV) Programs in Illinois

If you are a victim of domestic violence in Illinois, click here to obtain the phone number of the domestic violence program that can assist you.

How An Abuser Can Discover Your Internet Activities

email: if an abuser has access to your email account, they may be able to read your incoming and outgoing mail. If you believe your account is secure, make sure you choose a password they will not be able to guess.

If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing email messages, they may be printed and saved as evidence of this abuse. Additionally, the messages may constitute a federal offense. For more information on this issue, contact your local United States Attorney's Office.

history / cache file: if an abuser knows how to read your computer's history or cache file (automatically saved web pages and graphics), they may be able to see information you have viewed recently on the internet.

You may clear your history or empty your cache file in your browser's settings.*

• Netscape:
  Pull down Edit menu, select Preferences. Click on Navigator on choose 'Clear History.’. Click on Advanced, then select Cache. Click on "Clear Disk Cache."
  On older versions of Netcape: Pull down Options menu. Select Network Options, Select Cache. Click on "Clear Disk Cache."
  
  
• Internet Explorer:
  Pull down Tools menu, select Internet Options. On General page, under Temporary Internet Files , click on "Delete Files." Under History click on "Clear History."
  
• AOL:
  Pull down Members menu, select Preferences. Click on WWW icon. Then select Advanced. Purge Cache.

*This information may not completely hide your tracks. Many browser types have features that display recently visited sites. The safest way to find information on the Internet would be at a local library, a friend's house, or at work.