Alert! Computer use can be monitored.
WARNING!
If you are being stalked or abused, take steps to keep your abuser from knowing you are looking for help. Please use a safer computer, or call 911, one of Delaware's local hotlines at 302-762-6110 for New Castle County or 302-422-8058 for Kent & Sussex Counties , or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.
EMERGENCY "QUICK ESCAPE" BUTTON
There is a red Quick Escape button in the upper right-hand corner of every page on this website.
Click this button if your abuser enters the room while you are viewing this website. It will close this website and redirect your browser to a neutral page.
Clean up Your Online Path
Internet Safety
Everything you do online is recorded. It is IMPOSSIBLE to clear your tracks completely. Your computer stores hundreds of bits of information about everything you do with your computer, including information about which websites you've visited, your passwords, and what your emails say. An abuser can easily track the websites you visit or read your email messages.
If you suspect your activities are being monitored, they probably are. Abusers are often controlling and want to know your every move. You don’t need to be a computer programmer or have special skills to monitor someone’s computer activities – anyone can do it and there are many ways to monitor your activities - even without having direct access to your computer. Using a separate computer is best, but you can protect yourself at home by familiarizing yourself with processes like private browsing, deleting your browser history, clearing your cache and deleting cookies.
You can be tracked
Your abuser can track your online actions – there is nothing you can do to remove your tracks completely. If you try to erase your tracks, your abuser might become suspicious.
If you think you might be in danger, use a computer at a public library, internet cafe or a trusted friend’s house. If your abuser sends you email, do not open it on those computers.
If you need help now, call 911 or the
New Castle County Domestic Violence Hotline: 302-762-6110
Kent & Sussex County Domestic Violence Hotline: 302-422-8058
Kent & Sussex County Bi-lingual Domestic Violence Hotline: 302-745-9874
US National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
US National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673
US National Teen Dating Violence Helpline 1-866-331-9474
Email Safety
Email is not a safe or confidential way to communicate.
Sending email is like sending a postcard through the mail. Anyone along the path can read what it says. If you need to talk to someone about the danger or abuse in your life, if possible, please call a hotline instead.
If you must use email to discuss your situation we suggest you use an account that your abuser doesn't know about. Set up a new account with a free email service like hotmail, yahoo, or gmail.
Password Safety
Be smart about passwords to keep your abuser out of your accounts.
DO NOT use a name or password that contains any identifying information (no names, nicknames, initials, birthdates, zipcodes, etc.) Instead use a name and password that contains a random mix of letters, CAPITAL letters and numbers (for example, HJ3v67Tn) -
Make sure you can remember the user name and password. If you must write it down somewhere, put it in a place your abuser is unlikely to find it.
If the computer asks if you would like it to save your password or login information tell it NO.
The Purple Ribbon event is DCADV's annual awareness event held each October during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Members from our community, survivors, service providers, advocates and friends gather to celebrate our partnership and shared work to prevent and end domestic violence.
This year's event will be held Thursday, October 1, 2020 at the Executive Banquet and Conference Center in Newark.
Each year at the Purple Ribbon Event, DCADV recognizes community members who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to serving victims and survivors and working to prevent domestic violence in Delaware. We are seeking nominees for the 2020 Vision of Peace and Spirit of Advocacy awards.
Vision of Peace
The Vision of Peace Award is presented by DCADV to individuals who have demonstrated leadership and sustained commitment in their efforts to end domestic violence. Awardees are recognized for their significant contributions in the areas of policy, services, or social change advocacy that have led to enhanced safety for victims/survivors of domestic violence and increased offender accountability. These contributions may include changes in laws or policies, increased resources and support for domestic violence services, program innovations, greater public awareness, or efforts toward primary prevention and social change.
Past Honorees:
Spirit of Advocacy
The Spirit of Advocacy Award is presented by DCADV to advocates whose work with and on behalf of victims of domestic violence is infused with the core principles of empowerment advocacy. These principles include a deep sense of empathy for those who are abused, a willingness to challenge existing systems, a belief in the strength and enduring capacity of the human spirit, and a commitment to social change at both the individual and societal level. Advocates are the "voice" for those who can not always speak for themselves. This award honors those voices.
Past Honorees:
As your statewide domestic violence coalition, we are strengthened by the support and generosity of the Delaware Community! You can support us by making a donation or becoming a member today.
Find out more
Fundraisers and events help us raise awareness and generate crucial resources to serve our community. Join us at our next event and see how you can get involved.
Find out more.
You are not alone. There are many resources available for anyone affected by domestic violence across our state. Learn more.
