****NEITHER THIS WEBPAGE NOR THE WEBSITES REFERENCED BELOW ARE SAFE AND MAY BE TRACEABLE ON THE COMPUTER THAT YOU ARE USING****
Safety tips: Before, During, and After a Protective Order Hearing and Preventing your abuser from monitoring your internet/phone activity (from the Women's Law Center of Maryland website)
Protect your communication and location
An abuser can use technology to monitor your telephone and online communication and to track your physical location. If you're concerned for your safety, seek help.
To maintain your privacy:
Use phones cautiously. Your abuser might intercept calls and listen to your conversations. He or she might use caller ID, check your cellphone or search your phone billing records to see your complete call and texting history.
Use your home computer cautiously. Your abuser might use spyware to monitor your emails and the websites you visit. It is safest to use a computer at work, at the library or at a friend's house to seek help.
Remove GPS devices from your vehicle. Your abuser might use a GPS device to pinpoint your location.
Frequently change your email password. Choose a password that would be impossible for your abuser to guess.
Clear your viewing history. Follow your browser's instructions to clear any record of websites or graphics you've viewed.
Create a safety plan. Leaving an abuser can be dangerous. Consider taking these precautions:
Call a domestic violence hotline for advice. Make the call at a safe time — when the abuser isn't around — or from a friend's house or other safe location.
Pack an emergency bag that includes items you'll need when you leave, such as extra clothes and keys. Leave the bag in a safe place. Keep important personal papers, money and prescription medications handy so that you can take them with you on short notice.
Know exactly where you'll go and how you'll get there.