General Safety Tips

Your safety is important. Genesis Women’s Shelter provides helpful, general safety tips for a variety of scenarios (click link to view their website). Read the options, take them in, and see which feels right for you and your circumstances.

Internet Safety

If you feel that your Internet usage may be monitored, these tips may be helpful. You may also want to consider using a public computer (for example, one at your public library) instead of your personal computer or device.  

Places to Get Free Wi-Fi

• Any local public library

  • Public libraries offer free Wi-Fi and have public computers available for your use

  • A list of all public libraries in Texas as well as their addresses and phone numbers can be found here:

    • https://publiclibraries.com/state/texas/

• List of places/restaurants across Texas that usually offer free Wi-Fi

  • These places don’t have public computers for use, but will allow you to use your own device on their Wi-Fi network for free

  • http://www.wififreespot.com/tex.php

Use a Private Browser

• Using a private browser lets you surf the Internet without storing your browsing or search history.

• To turn on private browsing:

  • On a computer:

    • Hold down Command + Shift + N: this opens a new window where private browsing is enabled, OR

    • Click “File” tab —> “New Private Window”

    • Close the window when you have completed internet use

  • On iOS (i.e. an iPhone):

    • Tap the “Pages” button in Safari (shaped as two squares in Safari’s menu)  

    • Tap “Private”

    • Tap the Search field to search for a site to visit

    • Tap “Pages” then “Private” again to turn off private browsing

  • On Android:

    • https://www.androidpit.com/how-to-browse-in-private-on-android

Clear Your Search History

• Your computer stores information about the websites you browse, which can be dangerous if you are afraid your internet usage is being monitored. You can clear your search history from an internet browser by using the steps below:

  • In Safari: “History” tab —> scroll to bottom —> “Clear History”

  • In Firefox: “History” tab —> “Clear Recent History”

  • In Chrome: “History” tab —>“Show Full History” —> “Clear Browsing History” on right side of window

  • Click here for a more detailed “how-to”

     

There are many resources available if you feel unsafe and need information on support (shelters, counselors, legal aid, etc.) that may be available for you in your area. See our Resources List for information on your options.