The information and instructions on this page will help you to hide your cyber tracks, but some browsers, computers, and high speed routers leave behind traces of your online activities. To be completely safe please use a computer at a local library, a friend’s house, or if possible at work. Never Bookmark anything on this site.

History/Cache File

If an abuser knows how to read your computer's history or cache file (automatically saved web pages and graphics), he or she may be able to see information you have viewed recently on the Internet. Clear your cache and history anytime you visit these pages.

How to Clear your Cache and your History

Using Internet Explorer: On your menu bar go to "Tools." In the drop down menu select "Internet Options." Click on the "General" Tab. Under the heading "Browsing History," click "Delete." Make sure these are checked: Temporary Internet files and website files, Cookies and website data, and History.

Using Google Chrome: In the top-right corner of Chrome, click the Chrome menu (the three small horizontal lines). Select "More tools" > "Clear browsing data." In the dialog that appears, select the checkboxes for the types of information that you want to remove. Use the menu at the top to select the amount of data that you want to delete. Select "the beginning of time" to delete everything. Click "Clear browsing data."

Using Safari (iPhone / iPad): On your Home screen, tap "Settings." Scroll down until you see "Safari". It is usually found towards the bottom of the fourth group of menu options. Tap on it to bring up the Safari options menu. Tap "Clear History and Website Data.” You will need to scroll down to find it. A pop-up box will appear. Tap "Clear History and Website Data" again to confirm your choice. The options will then be grayed out and Safari's cache will be cleared.

Using Microsoft Edge: Click the three dots at the top-right of the Edge browser window. Select “Settings,” and from the left sidebar, select "Privacy and services." Scroll down to "Clear browsing data." Click the blue box that says "Choose what to clear." Make sure the "Cookies and other site data" box is checked. You can also check the boxes for "Browsing history," "Cached images and files," and more — this means these will also be cleared. Click "Clear now."\

For any other browser: Please do a search for “how to clear cache and history” in your search engine.

E-mail Safety

Always pick a password for your e-mail account that your abuser will not be able to guess. Do not e-mail material that you believe will put you in danger. If your abuser is harassing you via e-mail, then save the e-mails as well as a printed copy of the e-mails in a secure place. These e-mail messages may be used to help document the abuse and harassment.