What is technology-facilitated abuse?
Technology-facilitated abuse is a form of domestic violence in which abusers control, stalk and harass their victims using technology.
It includes a range of behaviours:
- sending abusive text messages or emails
- making continuous threatening phone calls
- spying on and monitoring victims through the use of tracking systems
- abusing victims through social media sites
- sharing intimate images of someone without their consent (also known as image-based abuse or ‘revenge porn’)
- using technology to control or manipulate home appliances, locks and other connected devices
Technology-facilitated abuse has significant and very real impacts. It occurs both during abusive relationships and after leaving an abusive partner or family member. It may also involve just one person or multiple people participating in the abuse.
