What is digital abuse?

Abuse can take many forms but the last two decades has seen the advent of digital abuse and technology assisted abuse. This is defined as a person using digital technology and devices to control, coerce or threaten another person. It is often accompanied by other forms of abuse including physical violence, coercive and financial control. Those guilty of this type of abuse can be a partner, ex-partner, family member, friend, colleague or someone unknown to the victim.

What behaviours count as digital abuse?

Broadly speaking, controlling behaviour is designed to make the victim feel subordinate, isolated from support, depriving them of the means to be independent and regulating their daily lives. Coercive behaviour focuses on punishing, threatening, frightening, intimidating and humiliating the victim.

All our digital devices including smart phones, laptops, tablets, computers, smart watches, fitness trackers, smart home virtual assistants and Wi-Fi connected home security systems, have the potential to be used by digital abusers.

All these devices can be secretly or forcibly accessed by an abuser who can use tracking devices, install spyware or software to allow them to monitor the victim’s movements and communications.

The aim of any abuser is to cause harm to the victim in any number of ways. Various digital devices provide them with the means to do this.

Examples of digital abuse

Sexting and revenge porn are ways for abusers to humiliate, demean and degrade their victim. Forwarding and sharing sexually explicit messages, photographs or videos without the victim’s consent to friends and family or making them publicly available on the internet is a form of digital abuse.

Abusers can also impersonate their victim on social media leaving negative feedback and comments on friends and family posts or create false profiles to cyberstalk, harass and exploit their chosen target.

Many abusers put their victims under surveillance, either secretly or openly, using digital tracking equipment, such as AirTags, Apps and home security systems. Similarly, virtual assistants can be used as listening and recording devices

Seeking help

If you or someone you know is a victim of digital abuse, we would strongly advise you to contact Refuge, the UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse charity. In recognition of the growth of digital abuse, Refuge have a whole site dedicated to staying safe online and in September hosted their first UK Tech Safety Summit. They have lots of experience in this area and can offer you practical support and advice. You can find more information here https://refugetechsafety.org

If you are struggling with the impact of divorce and separation, we offer a no obligation initial consultation for a fixed fee of £100 (incl. VAT), for up to one hour. At this meeting, we can advise you on all the issues relating to your personal circumstances, allowing you to make informed decisions moving forward.

To book an appointment please call 01444 472700, email us at [email protected] or complete the form below.