Understand The Exit Button

Staying Safe Online: Understanding and Using the Exit Button

When visiting a domestic violence website, you may notice an “Exit” or “Quick Escape” button. This feature is designed to quickly close the site and redirect you to a safe, unrelated page (such as a weather site). The goal is to protect you if your abuser walks into the room or monitors what you’re doing.

While the exit button provides immediate safety, it’s important to understand that it does not erase your browsing history. Someone who has access to your computer, phone, or account may still see what websites you’ve visited. This is why online safety and digital awareness are so critical for people experiencing abuse.

How Abusers Can Track You Online

Abusers often use technology to maintain control. This can include:

• Checking browsing history and search activity.

• Tracking phone location through GPS.

• Monitoring social media accounts or messages.

• Using spyware or hidden apps to watch activity.

• Demanding access to passwords, devices, or online accounts.

Being aware of these risks helps you take steps to protect yourself.

Clearing Your Browsing History and Data

If it’s safe to do so, clearing your browsing history can help reduce the chances of being tracked. Here are general steps for most browsers:

Google Chrome

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.

2. Select History > Clear browsing data.

3. Choose a time range (e.g., “Last hour” or “All time”).

4. Select Browsing history, Cookies, and Cached images, and click Clear data.

Safari (Mac/iPhone)

1. Go to History > Clear History.

2. Choose a time range.

3. Confirm by selecting Clear History.

Microsoft Edge

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.

2. Select Settings > Privacy, search, and services.

3. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.

4. Select the data types and click Clear now.

Firefox

1. Click the three bars in the top-right corner.

2. Go to History > Clear recent history.

3. Choose a time range.

4. Select the data to clear and click OK.

⚠️ Safety Note: Only clear history if you’re sure it won’t raise suspicion. Sometimes, an empty history can be more noticeable.

Protecting Your Electronics When Escaping

If you are planning to leave an abusive relationship, it’s important to think about your electronics:

• Get a new device, if possible. Abusers may have installed spyware on your phone or computer.

• Change your passwords. Use strong, unique passwords that your abuser cannot guess.

• Turn off location services. Disable GPS and location tracking on your phone.

• Log out of accounts. Sign out of social media, email, and any shared accounts.

• Use safe devices. If you suspect your phone is compromised, try using a trusted friend’s device or a public computer (such as at a library) for sensitive searches or communications.

• Do not take compromised devices with you. It’s safer to leave behind phones or computers that may be monitored.

Why This Matters: Online Safety Can Save Lives

Technology is often a hidden tool of abuse. Knowing how to use features like the exit button, clear your browsing history, and protect your devices can mean the difference between safety and further harm. Survivors who take these steps often find greater security, independence, and confidence when leaving an abusive situation.

At the end of the day, your safety is more important than any device or account. Understanding online risks and taking precautions can save lives. If you or someone you know is in danger, please call our 24-Hour Crisis Line at 662-342-1432. You are not alone, and help is always available.