In today’s digital age, we’re witnessing a concerning rise in technology-facilitated abuse, a form of domestic abuse that’s becoming increasingly prevalent. This type of abuse has an impact on countless individuals, causing emotional distress and threatening online safety. As our lives become more intertwined with technology, perpetrators are finding new ways to exert coercive control over their victims, often leaving lasting scars that go beyond the digital realm.
We’ll explore the various forms of technology-facilitated abuse, including cyberstalking, revenge porn, and digital surveillance. We’ll also look at how to spot the warning signs, discuss strategies to prevent this abuse, and highlight the support available for those affected. By shedding light on this issue, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and others from the harmful effects of digital abuse.
UNDERSTANDING TECHNOLOGY-FACILITATED ABUSE
Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) is a growing concern in our digital age. We define it as the misuse of technology to control, harass, stalk, or manipulate a partner or victim. This form of abuse has become increasingly prevalent as our lives have become more intertwined with digital devices and platforms.
Definition and scope
TFA encompasses various behaviours facilitated through online spaces and everyday technology. It’s a subset of intimate partner violence (IPV) that transcends physical boundaries, allowing perpetrators to carry out abuse with greater ease in digital spaces. This type of abuse can be individualised, with perpetrators using threats that have specific meaning for the victim but may seem harmless to others.
Typical forms of tech abuse
We’ve identified several common forms of technology-facilitated abuse:
· Cyberstalking and surveillance: Abusers may use GPS tracking, spyware, or hidden cameras to monitor a victim’s movements and activities without their consent.
· Harassment via digital platforms: This includes sending abusive text messages, making continuous threatening phone calls, and posting harassing content on social media.
· Social media control: Perpetrators may demand access to social media accounts or control what the victim posts and who they interact with.
· Financial control: Abusers may use digital tools to restrict access to finances, such as controlling online banking accounts or changing passwords.
· Impersonation: Using the victim’s personal information to create fake accounts or send damaging messages.
· Image-based abuse: Threatening to or actually sharing intimate images or videos of the victim without their consent, often as a form of blackmail or humiliation.
IMPACT ON VICTIMS
The impact of technology-facilitated abuse on victims can be severe and wide-ranging. We’ve found that it can lead to:
· Mental health issues: Victims may experience depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation.
· Social isolation: The most frequently reported outcome is social isolation resulting from the direct actions of perpetrators.
· Financial harm: Intersecting control of finances and technology can result in poor access to banking and money.
· The omnipresence of fear: The ubiquitous nature of TFA elevates the level of fear experienced by survivors, making it feel inescapable.
· Damage to reputation: Publicly posting false or damaging information can ruin relationships, careers, and social standing.
We must recognise that while technology is meant to make our lives easier, some people are abusing it to stalk and harass unsuspecting individuals. It’s crucial to understand these forms of abuse to support victims better and work towards prevention.
RECOGNISING THE SIGNS
Recognising the signs of technology-facilitated abuse is crucial to protect ourselves and others from its harmful effects. We’ve identified several key indicators that can help us spot this form of abuse early on.
Digital surveillance
One of the most common forms of tech abuse is digital surveillance. We need to be aware that apps can be used to stalk a person without their knowledge or consent. This might involve spyware or other monitoring tools that track our movements, communications, or online activities. It could be a red flag if we notice unexplained battery drain on our devices or find unfamiliar apps installed.
Online harassment
Online harassment is another significant sign of tech-facilitated abuse. We might notice an increase in unwanted messages, calls, or emails that are threatening or intimidating. In some cases, the abuser might use multiple accounts or fake profiles to contact the victim, making it difficult to block or avoid them. We should also be wary of false information or private details being posted online, as this can be a form of reputational attack.
Control over devices and accounts
An abuser might attempt to exert control over our digital life by demanding access to our social media accounts, emails, or other online platforms. They might insist on monitoring what we post or who we interact with online. In extreme cases, they might change passwords or turn off devices to restrict our access to essential utilities or our living space.
We should also be alert to changes in our own or others’ online behaviour. A person experiencing tech abuse might spend significantly more or less time than usual online, texting, gaming, or using social media. They might appear distant, upset, or angry after using the internet or texting. Secrecy about online activities or a sudden increase in new phone numbers, texts, or email addresses on devices can also be warning signs.
It’s important to note that these signs can be subtle and may overlap with other forms of abuse. By staying vigilant and informed, we can better protect ourselves and support those who might be experiencing technology-facilitated abuse.
PREVENTION STRATEGIES
We’ve identified several key strategies to prevent technology-facilitated abuse and enhance online safety. These approaches focus on strengthening digital security, educating users about online risks, and implementing robust privacy settings.
Enhancing digital security
To bolster digital defence, we recommend crafting invincible passwords. Create long, strong, and unique passwords for each account or device, incorporating a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. It’s crucial to diversify passwords across accounts to prevent widespread compromise if one is breached.
Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to social media, email accounts, and devices. We suggest using authentication apps over text messages for 2FA, as they generate codes with shorter lifespans, reducing vulnerability windows.
Educating about online safety
Education plays a vital role in preventing technology-facilitated abuse. We emphasise the importance of teaching people to recognise unacceptable behaviour online and understand that the same standards of conduct apply online and offline. This includes looking at why people behave differently online, such as the effects of anonymity and invisibility on actions.
We recommend covering topics like fake URLs and websites, secure markings on websites, and the risks of entering information on unsecured sites. Explaining what to do if harmed, targeted, or groomed due to interacting with fake websites or scam emails is crucial.
Implementing strong privacy settings
Regularly reviewing and adjusting privacy settings on social media platforms is essential. We advise limiting the visibility of profiles to trusted friends and followers. Refraining from ‘checking in’ or tagging locations in photos is critical, as these actions can inadvertently disclose routines and whereabouts.
We recommend promptly changing passcodes or passwords for Internet banking if there’s suspicion of unauthorised access. Avoid predictable choices like birthdays or anniversaries to enhance financial account security.
By implementing these strategies, we can significantly reduce the risk of technology-facilitated abuse and create a safer online environment for all users.
CONCLUSION
Technology-facilitated abuse has a profound impact on victims, causing emotional distress and threatening online safety. We’ve explored various forms of this abuse, including cyberstalking, revenge porn, and digital surveillance, highlighting the importance of recognising warning signs and implementing prevention strategies. Enhancing digital security, educating about online safety, and using strong privacy settings can create a safer digital environment for everyone.
Support and resources are available for those affected by technology-facilitated abuse. It’s crucial to raise awareness about this issue and empower individuals with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves. By working together, we can combat this growing form of abuse and ensure that technology remains a positive force rather than a tool for harm.
