Technology-facilitated abuse, or ‘tech abuse’ is the way technologies can be exploited to track, control, coerce, or harass individuals. Perpetrators of domestic abuse often use technology as a tool of abuse which can force survivors offline and further isolate them from their support network or ability to seek help.
Tech abuse often involves perpetrators using multiple accounts and devices to abuse, control and monitor their partners. The technology harnessed can range from everyday devices and accounts, to sophisticated, malicious software.
An abuser might do any of the following:
They constantly send you messages or call you.
They post sexual content of you online without your agreement.
They control your digital devices, such as checking your smartphone or computer all the time
They install spyware on your devices to secretly give them information about you
They use technology to track where you are
They control your bank accounts through online banking
They create fake accounts pretending to be you on social media
They “troll” you through social media by posting insulting or demeaning comments about you