The Quick Exit button is available at the bottom left corner of every page and allows you to quickly leave our website. This button will open The Weather Channel website in a new tab in your web browser. It will also replace the Disability Rights Florida webpage you were viewing with Google.com.

You can also quickly activate the Quick Exit feature by pressing the Escape (esc) key on your keyboard.

If you are concerned that an abusive spouse, partner, or family member might be monitoring your computer usage, please take a moment to read the information below about safer computer practices.

When you browse the internet on your computer or phone, your web browser saves the websites you visit. Common browsers include Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

You can delete your browsing history, but tools exist that can recover it. Some software can also be installed on your computer to track your website visits, steal your usernames and passwords, and access your email or other sensitive information. If you think someone may be monitoring your device, be cautious when searching for private information.

Use a safe computer when you go online. You can find safe computers at local libraries, internet cafés, shelters, workplaces, computer centers, or a friend's house. Always pick these safe options for researching travel plans, housing, legal issues, and safety plans.

If you have to use a potentially unsafe computer, always use private mode instead of clearing your history at the end of each session. A blank history might make your abuser suspicious. If you can’t stop your history from being tracked and don’t want to clear it, try to make your browsing harder to trace. For example, if you plan to move to California, don’t just search for jobs or apartments there. Search in other locations too. This makes it more difficult for an abuser to find out your plans.

Services are free and confidential – certified rape crisis centers are legally and ethically required to protect your confidentiality, unless you allow, in writing, the release of your information, F.S 90.5035.

Advocates are available to:

• Provide crisis intervention

• Speak to you on the 24-hour hotline

• Discuss your options

• Navigate available resources

• Go with you to appointments

• Address safety concerns

• Advocate on your behalf

• Help you apply for victim compensation

Several popular web browsers are listed below, along with links to learn how to browse privately and delete your history for each one.

Chrome

• Browse privately in Chrome

• Delete your history and cache in Chrome

Firefox

• Browse privately in Firefox

• Delete your history and cache in Firefox

Safari

• Browse privately in Safari

• Delete your history and cache in Safari

Microsoft Edge

• Browse privately in Edge

• Delete your history and cache in Edge

Consent means intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent and does not include coerced submission. Failure to offer physical resistance to the offender does not imply consent. If you are under 16 years of age, consent cannot be used as a defense to a sexual assault crime. Further, a 16- or 17-year-old cannot legally consent to sexual activity with a person in a position of familial or custodial authority, or a person over 24 years of age.

If you fear for your safety or fear offender contact, you can seek an injunction, sometimes referred to as a restraining order or protection order. F.S. 784.046

• Parents or legal guardians can file on behalf of victims under 18 years of age

• To obtain the injunction, you or your guardian must report the crime to law enforcement and cooperate in any criminal proceeding against the offender

• You may also seek an injunction against an offender who has been released from jail or prison or who will be released within 90 days

• Filing for an injunction is free

• The application can be made at a local courthouse with assistance from an advocate and/or the county clerk.

• To learn more about FCASV’s legal team, click here

Email

Create a new email account that others don't know about using a secure computer. Use this account for safety planning and sensitive communications. Avoid using personal information in usernames and passwords. Keep your monitored email active with non-critical messages to maintain appearances.

Cell Phone

Cell phones can track your location and keep call/text histories. Others may be able to monitor these. If you suspect your phone is being watched, get a pay-as-you-go phone and keep it in a safe place, or use a safe phone at work, a friend's, or a shelter.

Social Media

Only share what you want the public to see. Personal information like phone numbers, addresses, birthdays, and photos can give others a way to find you. Ask friends not to post personal details about you or tag you in photos without your permission.

Passwords

Keep your passwords private and complex, avoiding personal information. Don’t write them down where they can be found, and always decline when your devices ask to save passwords.