Tech-based domestic and family violence
In a world where our lives are increasingly being lived online, the need to stay safe from tech-based abuse has never been more important.
Digital technology brings great benefits to our everyday lives. But the devices, apps and platforms come with risks, especially for women experiencing domestic and family violence. This page provides tips and advice about staying safe online.
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Our home should make us feel safe and comfortable, as havens to retreat to, giving us a sense of security and belonging. But for many women, home can be a very dangerous place and surface very different emotions. |
When a relationship turns abusive, we know that along with the verbal and physical abuse, technology is often turned against women to further isolate, intimidate, control and stalk them. This might include high volumes of abusive texts or calls, negative comments from imposter accounts, having intimate images shared online without their consent or even being tracked or monitored through devices. |
While this technology facilitated abuse takes many forms, the ultimate goal of the perpetrators remains the same: to dominate and control. And while the scars may not be visible, this can be devastating for victims, keeping them tethered to their abusers and constantly anxious or paralysed by fear. |
I don't think anyone enters relationships thinking it will turn sour, but if it does it's important to recognise the signs and to seek help. If you think abuse through technology is happening to you or someone you know, eSafety provides support and advice, including resources in 12 languages to help women be safer online. |
Come see us at esafety.gov.au/women |
About technology-facilitated abuse
Women dealing with domestic, family and sexual violence
Studies show that the majority of women dealing with domestic, family and sexual violence experience part of the violence online or through digital technology.
This often includes tech-based coercive control, as well as cyberstalking and image-based abuse.
The abuser is usually the person’s partner, ex-partner, a family member, or someone the woman is sharing a home with or dating.
If a woman who experiences domestic and family violence has a child or children in her care, often she is also worried about their safety. Research shows that 27% of domestic violence cases involve tech-based abuse of children.
Find out more about tech-based domestic violence and sexual violence.
5 tips to reduce the risk of tech-based abuse
You know your situation best, so be careful about how you use technology to access the advice and resources on this page and others on the eSafety website. Always seek help in a way that prioritises your safety, or that of the person you are helping.
These tips can help you to deal with tech-based abuse if you think digital devices, apps or platforms are being used against you, or someone you know.
Know what to look out for
Check for these common warning signs to get a better understanding of how digital technology can be used to abuse, humiliate and control you online.
Create an online safety plan
Creating an online safety plan helps people to stay connected while preventing abusers from locating them through social media, online accounts and devices. This resource includes a checklist, advice and a list of steps to keep you safe online.
Know how to collect evidence safely
eSafety offers step-by-step guidance on collecting evidence if digital technology is being used in an abusive or threatening way. Although it is important to collect evidence, it is even more important to stay safe. Make sure evidence is only collected when it is safe to do so.
Actively update account security
It’s simple and effective to use different, strong passwords for each account and sign out when finished. Two-step verification (also known as two-factor authentication) can be added for extra protection. Your security questions should be changed to things no one else will know the answer to. Watch our 'how to' videos to find out more about securing your online accounts.
Be careful about sharing your location
Check the privacy settings on all your devices and apps, including social media. If it's safe to do so, disable their location services. Bluetooth technology used for sharing files and connecting devices like headphones can also track your location, so you may need to turn that off in your device settings. When searching online, use private or ‘incognito’ browsing mode, especially if you are looking for help.
Find out more about using your device and account safely in digital wellbeing.
Staying safer online
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I absolutely love technology and how it's become part of our everyday lives. Today, more than ever, it's an important tool in keeping us all connected. |
Unfortunately, technology can have a dark side. All too often, it's being used as a weapon of domination and control for people trapped in abusive relationships. This might include a partner demanding to read all of your messages, sending multiple abusive texts or even tracking your every movement. |
If you think that technology is being used against you or someone you know, here are some simple steps you can take. Use password protection to secure your devices and use two factor authentication where possible. Our eSafety website will show you how. |
Stay safe on social media and choose carefully what you share, who can see your posts, and keep your personal information private. You can also flag online abuse with the relevant social media platform or app. |
Finally, be mindful of your location. When safe to do so, disable your location settings. Also, keep an eye out for other tracking and surveillance devices as they can be small and easily hidden. |
You know your situation best, so do what feels safest for you. |
Staying safer online
See What You Made Me Do
See What You Made Me Do is a documentary series that explores domestic and family violence. As the title highlights, domestic and family violence is often considered the fault of the women and children who are abused. But it is not.
The series from Australia's Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) is based on an award-winning book by investigative journalist Jess Hill. It shows the way digital technology is frequently used as a tactic to control and coerce people in abusive relationships.
eSafety has collaborated with SBS to provide practical information about technology-facilitated abuse and how to stay safer online.
More resources
- Read our advice and resources in languages other than English to help you to deal with domestic, family and sexual violence.
- Read our blogpost Calling out technological tethers in coercive control.
- Read our online safety advisory: From smart cars to tracking devices: Technology's increasing role in coercive control.
- Watch See What You Made Me Do.
Educational resources for schools
Connect with Respect has been developed by eSafety and SBS in response to some of the issues raised in See What You Made Me Do.
This teacher resource focuses on five short videos. The videos and associated classroom activities provide opportunities for important conversations with your students about being respectful, supportive friends and navigating their social lives safely.
Get help
1800RESPECT
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, you can get support by calling or texting, or visiting the website for online chat and video call services.
Police
If you, or someone you care about, is at risk of harm right now call Triple Zero (000). Reports can be made to the Police Assistance Line if there is no immediate danger.
Warning
Remember, your safety is the most important thing. If an abusive person finds out that you are looking for resources and information, their abusive behaviour may get worse. Talk to a counselling service if you need more support.
Last updated: 03/09/2026