Protecting Your Online Activity When in an Abusive Relationship

This post quickly explains how to keep yourself safe by protecting your online activity when in an emotionally abusive (narcissistic) relationship.

Remember that your abuser (especially if they are the secretive or covert type) is probably paranoid. They NEED to know everything about where you are going, what you are doing with whom you are speaking. And, they will stop at NOTHING to find out! Do not be surprised if they go through your paperwork, look at your 'phone or tablet or PC for 'evidence' that they are not the centre of your world. They may even install spying software on your devices!

Rest assured, if they discover anything that could remotely suggest you are talking to others first, or discovering more about abuse, you will be subjected to even more intense scrutiny and emotional abuse can quickly escalate into physical abuse.

Internet Browsers

THEREFORE, when you search online for anything, even simple, personal stuff or friendships, but ESPECIALLY about abuse, it is important to use an ANONYMOUS browsing mode, such as:

• Google Chrome: Incognito mode
• Safari: Private Window
• Firefox: Private Window
• Opera: Private Window
• Microsoft Edge: InPrivate Window
• Bing: Private Mode

If your browser is not mentioned above, it will almost certainly have a private browsing mode as standard: it is just a question of finding it!

Using this mode prevents the storage of 'cookies' on your device and when you close the browser, they leave no easily accessible search history (so, it is always useful to write down helpful sites etc in a diary or notebook that stays with you at all times).

Other Help

If you visit an abuse-advice site, like Women’s Aid or this site, you will often see a 'LEAVE' or 'QUICK EXIT' button (or similar). PLEASE NOTE: these will either close your browser or take you to a 'neutral' page like Google. HOWEVER, unless you are using an anonymous mode as, described above, your search is still easily discoverable in search history.

Remember

A narcissist will leave NO stone unturned in order to abuse you. Therefore, we must use the same diligence to protect our safety & sanity.

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You will also find the following links helpful for understanding narcissism and its impacts on our lives.

TERMS AND DESCRIPTIONS USED WHEN TALKING ABOUT NARCISSISM

Terminology and Definitions Used When Talking About Narcissism

IDENTIFYING NARCISSISTS

How to Identify The Different Types of Narcissist

How to Spot Narcissists and Narcissism

Quick Quiz: Find Out if You Are Affected by Narcissists or Narcissism

BUILDING YOUR SUPPORT TEAM

How to build an Effective Support System - Strategies for Victims of Narcissistic Abuse

DIVORCING A NARCISSIST

Divorcing a Narcissist - What You Should Know About the Legal System and the Courts