IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ
THIS BEFORE CONTINUING

Please note these buttons placed throughout the website, click on any of these buttons to navigate to Google and away from this site in case of emergencies. Please note that your visit to this site will be stored on your PC, to remove your visit please follow the instructions below.

Clearing Internet History

How can an abuser discover your internet activities?
Please take a few minutes to read the warning below and to take steps to increase your safety when using the internet and the Chelmsford and Maldon Domestic Violence Forum Website.

E-mail:
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 that an abuser will not be able to guess.
If an abuser sends you threatening or harassing e-mail messages, they may be printed and saved as evidence of this abuse.

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 can clear your history or empty your cache file in your browser's settings.

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."

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 Netscape: Pull down Options menu. Select Network Options, Select Cache. Click on "Clear Disk 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.

What is this website about?

This website is about domestic violence, what you can do about it and where you can get help, advice and support if you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic violence.  The website is for anyone who is in a violent relationship including men, and people in a gay or lesbian relationship.

Domestic violence is essentially a pattern of behaviour characterised by the exercise of control and the misuse of power by one person, usually a man, over another, usually a woman, within the context of an intimate relationship.  It is manifested in various ways, including, but not restricted to, physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse, and the imposition of social isolation, and is most commonly a combination of them all.

Whilst this definition does not include children, domestic violence affects children adversely and there is evidence that domestic violence often occurs alongside child and animal abuse within families.  Child abuse can therefore be an indicator of domestic violence in the family and vice versa.

Victims with physical, mental and learning disabilities may have special difficulties in seeking help.

Important information to consider if you are in a violent relationship:

• You are not the only one

• You are not to blame

• You cannot change your abuser’s behaviour

• Ignoring violence is dangerous

• Break the silence – don’t remain isolated

• There is life after an abusive relationship