If you are in danger, call 9-1-1

An abuser can often tell when a woman has made up her mind to stop the abuse. Do not underestimate
your abuser. Learn to cover your tracks for the protection of you and your children.
An abuser can often tell when a woman has made up her mind to stop the abuse. Do not underestimate your abuser. Learn to cover your tracks for the protection of you and your children.

Exit button

There is a floating red escape button on every page. If someone approaches you while you are on our site and you want to hide the page, click that. It will immediately take you to the Weather Channel.

Browser risk

If you are not sure you can be safe, do not use a computer that your partner has access to. You can use computers at a public library or a payphone to reach out for help. Every website browser (Internet Explorer, Mozilla, Google Chrome, Safari) keeps a record of websites you have visited. Find instructions on how to delete “cookies” or “temporary internet files”. You can use the HELP function of your browser. Many browsers will also remember things you have searched for, so delete any previous searches such as “signs of abuse”, “am I being abused”, or “how to erase websites I have visited”.

Email risk

If you are not sure you can be safe, do not use a computer that your abuser has access to. You can use computers at a public library or internet café to reach out for help. Ask to use a phone at a local community centre also!

Your email program will save a copy of any sent messages. Make sure to completely remove any emails that your abuser might find, or do not use a computer or email box that your abuser has access to.

Telephone risk

When you contact us, or any organization assisting women in danger, be careful to use a telephone that does not keep a record of the number you called. If you have a memory in your phone, hit redial and then “clear” or “erase” to remove that number from your called list. Or if your phone only stores the last number you called, call a friend after you call for help. If you call long distance, phone numbers will appear on your bill. And if you and your abuser share an Internet-based phone system, like VOIP or Skype, do not use this system to call for help. If you are not sure of your telephone or cell phone, or what it might be able to tell your abuser, use a friend’s phone, a public phone, a work phone, or a phone that has nothing to do with your abuser.

Cover Your Tracks Guide

This guide provides steps to help you browse the Internet while minimizing the information about your activities. 
 
Important Notice:   While this guide offers methods to reduce traces of your online visits, it’s crucial to understand that complete anonymity cannot be guaranteed. For enhanced security, consider using a different computer (e.g., at a library, internet café, workplace, or a friend’s house). 
  
Key Considerations for Hiding Your Online Activity:   
  
1.   Use Private Browsing Modes:   Private browsing is available in major browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer 11. Follow the instructions for your specific browser: 
  
   –   Chrome:   Access Incognito Mode via the Chrome menu (three vertical dots) > New Incognito Window. For more details, click [here]. 
   –   Firefox:   Open a Private Window from the Firefox menu (three horizontal lines) > New Private Window. For more details, click [here
   –   Internet Explorer 11:   Use InPrivate Browsing by selecting Safety from the menu > InPrivate Browsing. For more details, click [here]
 
  
If you’re using an older browser without private browsing capabilities, consider installing Chrome and using its Incognito Mode. A common explanation for installing Chrome is that it improves browsing speed. 
 
  
2.   Delete Your Browsing History:   After visiting our site or similar ones, it’s important to clear your digital trail. Follow these steps based on your browser: 
  
   –   Internet Explorer 7-11:   Instructions vary by version. Generally, you access history deletion through the Tools or Safety menu and follow prompts to delete browsing history. For step-by-step guides, click [here]
 
  
   –   Chrome:   On Windows, go to the Chrome menu > History > Clear browsing data. On OS X, select History > Clear Browsing Data. For more details, click [here]
  
   –   Firefox:   On Windows, use the menu > History > Clear Recent History. On OS X, access Preferences > Privacy > Clear Recent History. For more details, click [here]
  
   –   Safari:   Select Safari > Clear History and Website Data, then choose the desired time period. For more details, click Clear History 
  
   –   Microsoft Edge:   Navigate to Hub > History > Clear all history. Select data types and click Clear. For more details, click [here]
 
  
   –   Opera:   Access History > Clear browsing data. Choose the time range and data types, then click Clear browsing data. For more details, click [here]
  
   –   Netscape:   From the toolbar, select Edit > Preferences > History, and click the Clear History button. For more details, click [here]. 
  
 Please Note:   Deleting browsing history and other data can sometimes raise suspicions. Be cautious when removing saved passwords, as it may be noticeable to others using the same computer.
 

Your safety is OUR priority! If you need a friendly person to talk to, advice on safety planning, or support in transitioning to independent living, we are here to help every step of the way. The first step is getting you SAFE. If you have decided to leave, call us for assistance. We can arrange a safe place to meet, discuss your exit strategy, and provide guidance on necessary documents and preparations. We also offer secure technology to protect your privacy.

Need help? Visit our Outreach office on Preston St. For details and address, please call 613-233-3386.
 

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I love Harmony House. They are very good people and they always help us. This is like my 2nd home. Whever I come here, they help us, with anything we need – even our taxes. They are all good women and we love them all.
– Aya

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