The internet has become a very helpful space to find information quickly and from many sources. Since the world wide web was built and became publicly available in 1991, it has grown rapidly into a dynamic space where information, content and services are constantly added. Many of us are not able to imagine a time when we were not able to go online and do an immediate search on things that we needed more information on - whether it's about news, instructions on how to do something, telephone numbers, opening times, exchange rate etc. This ability to access information has helped us to connect with people, acquire helpful resources and share what we know across distances at much faster and relatively cheaper rates.

But there are also many of us who do not have access to the internet for various reasons. Sometimes it's just too expensive or there isn't infrastructure available. Sometimes it's about lack of familiarity and skills with the technology. And sometimes, it's because people around us control our use of the internet as part their control over our mobility and lives.

Women in situations of domestic violence might find it especially hard to find access to information and support services, because their communication is generally tightly monitored and controlled by the abusive partner. They might not be able to make telephone calls easily and without risk, or get online without their partner checking their activity. Sometimes, we may know about women who are in situations of domestic violence, but do not know how to support them. Women's rights groups have created radio programmes and produced flyers as a strategy to reach them. Be part of this effort.

Channel information and connect your ability to get online with those who cannot. Share things you've discovered with others around you. Make a leaflet and leave a note! 

1. Do a search

• Do a web search and find out the phone numbers and drop in points of women's shelter, counselling and hotlines for survivors or violence against women in your area, town or city. Be careful not to include physical addresses of shelters, as these are often kept confidential to keep them as safe spaces.
• Then do a search on how to support and help women in situations of domestic violence or abuse. 

2. Make a leaflet

• Summarise the information in a word document, or using pen and paper, and make a leaflet.
• Add a note to your leaflet. Something like:

"Dear neighbour, I was browsing the internet and came across this information. If you find it useful, please take it. Or if you know someone who might find it useful, please pass it on. I'm doing this as part of my commitment to end violence against women"

We have created a template which you can use to help you get started.

• Add a link to the campaign website so that they can find more information.

• Once you've made your leaflet, print it out and make copies of it, as many as you think useful.

Download template here. 
 

3. Leave a note

• Take the leaflet with you, and leave them in public places.
• For example, stick it up on the cubicle doors of a public toilet, on benches in a park or sidewalk or shopping mall, on top of a public telephone, on the seat of buses and other forms of public transportation, at the side of flower boxes by the pavement, anywhere that you think women might access, whether by chance or as part of their daily routine. 

4. Take a picture

• Share your action with other campaigners. Snap a picture of where you've left the note (be careful not to include faces of people in your picture), and upload it to the site.
• This will spur ideas on creative spaces where notes can be left.
• To upload a picture, create an account on the site and create content.
• Or email it to us and we'll upload it for you: ideas AT takebackthetech DOT net

Take Back The Tech! Channel what you know.