Tech SafetyElectronic technology is a wonderful resource for learning about community services available to victims of domestic violence, finding housing and employment opportunities, or researching protection orders. However, there is a dangerous side to electronic technology that has also given domestic violence batterers a new frontier and new set of tools with which to harass, stalk, inflict fear and control their victims. In order to help victims of domestic violence remain safe, domestic violence advocates and others working to assist victims need to understand the vast array of ways in which batterers are using resources such as phones, email, TTY (Teletype-writer), TRS (Telecommunication Relay Service), faxes, GPS (Global Positioning System), Internet, Chat/IM (Instant Messaging), computers, wireless cameras, screen readers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant), webcams (for computer), alert buttons, answering machines, Caller ID, spyware, identity theft, etc. Tips to consider include trusting your instincts if you think a partner or former partner knows too much about you, you are probably right. If you think that monitoring devices may be attached to your vehicle or webcams are linked to a computer, do not attempt to disable them as it may tip off a stalker or your abuser. Instead, you can contact law enforcement officials. Advocates at your local domestic violence program can help you develop a safety plan that includes ways to address your safety in this age of technology. You may also contact your local domestic violence program to learn about free cell phone programs. It is important to note that the ways in which batterers may use technology can be expected to change as quickly as the technology itself. To assure the most current information, rely on the experts such as the resources listed below to assist in thinking about this form of domestic violence. If you are in danger:
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