Computers and Networks
How non-profit victim service programs and innovative partnerships that provide services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking use their computers and networks impacts the safety and confidentiality of services for survivors and their children. This tip sheet briefly highlights: basics about how computers and networks work; how agencies and partnerships are or might use computers and networks; and some benefits, risks and things to consider including issues of: technical support, essentials, training, disposal, cost, security, authorized access and user names, backups, and, security in colocated sites.
This short piece was created by the NNEDV Safety Net Project to assist U.S. DOJ Office of Violence Against Women grantees (OVW grantees) and grant reviewers with identifying and addressing victim safety concerns that can arise from using technology. This technology safety tip sheet is meant to help with issue spotting. It is understood that a more in-depth look of the grantee’s technology plans and implementation may be necessary to fully ensure a grantee is most effectively addressing victim safety concerns.