Browse Safely

Your safety comes first

If you’re worried that someone may be monitoring your online activity, it’s important to know that visiting any website can leave traces on your device.

This page explains how you can browse the Broxtowe Women’s Project website more privately and reduce the chances of someone seeing that you’ve visited.

Use Private or Incognito Browsing

Most web browsers offer a private browsing mode, sometimes called Incognito or Private Window.

Using this mode means your browser won’t save:

• Your browsing history
• Search history
• Cookies after you close the window
• Information entered into forms

How to open a private browsing window

Google Chrome

• Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
• Select New Incognito Window.

Microsoft Edge

• Click the three dots.
• Select New InPrivate Window.

Safari (Apple devices)

• Open Safari.
• Tap the Tabs button.
• Select Private.

Firefox

• Click the menu button.
• Select New Private Window.

Remember: Private Browsing Has Limits

Private browsing does not make you invisible.

Someone may still be able to see your activity if:

• They have installed monitoring or spyware software on your device.
• They have access to your online accounts.
• Your employer, school or internet provider monitors internet use.
• You download documents or save files to your device.

Clear Your Browsing History

If you’ve visited our website using a normal browser window, you may wish to clear your browsing history afterwards.

Most browsers allow you to:

• Delete your browsing history.
• Clear cookies and cached files.
• Remove saved website data.

If you share a device with someone else, this can help reduce evidence that you’ve visited the site.

Use a Trusted Device

If possible, use a device that only you can access, such as:

• A trusted friend’s phone or computer.
• A computer at your local library.
• A device at work (if it is safe to do so).
• Another safe location where your internet use isn’t monitored.

Avoid using shared devices if you believe someone may regularly check your browsing history.

Be Careful With Downloads and Emails

Remember that:

• Downloaded files may remain on your device.
• Emails from us may appear in your inbox or sent folders.
• Browser downloads and recent files can sometimes be viewed by others.

Only download information or contact us electronically if you know it is safe to do so.

Use the Quick Exit Button

Our website includes a Quick Exit button that allows you to leave the site quickly if someone enters the room unexpectedly.

Please note that using the Quick Exit button does not remove your browsing history. You may still need to clear your history afterwards if it is safe to do so.

If You Think Your Device Is Being Monitored

If you believe someone is monitoring your phone, tablet or computer, it may be safer not to search for help on that device.

Instead, try to access support using a trusted device or speak to someone you trust.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, you’re not alone.

Broxtowe Women’s Project provides confidential support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. If it’s safe for you to do so, please get in touch.

Your safety will always come first.