Tech Abuse: When Technology Is Used as a Tool for Domestic Abuse

As technology becomes a bigger part of everyday life, it is also being increasingly used as a tool for abuse and control. From smartphones and social media to smart home devices and tracking apps, technology can be misused to monitor, intimidate and control victims.

This form of abuse is known as technology-facilitated abuse, or "tech abuse", and it is becoming more common in domestic abuse cases across the UK.

What Is Tech Abuse?

Tech abuse occurs when someone uses technology to harass, monitor, control or intimidate another person. It is often used alongside other forms of domestic abuse, including coercive control, emotional abuse and financial abuse.

The goal is often the same: to gain power and control over another person while restricting their independence, privacy and freedom.

Because technology is integrated into so many aspects of modern life, victims may not immediately realise that their devices or online accounts are being used against them.

Common Examples of Tech Abuse

Technology-facilitated abuse can take many forms. Some of the most common examples include:

Monitoring Social Media Activity

An abusive partner may monitor your social media accounts, checking who you interact with, what you post and where you go.

They may:

• Demand passwords.

• Insist on knowing who you are speaking to.

• Become angry about posts or comments.

• Use social media to isolate you from friends and family.

Accessing Your Phone, Email or Online Accounts

Everyone has the right to privacy. However, an abuser may:

• Read text messages.

• Access email accounts.

• Log into social media profiles.

• Check browsing history.

• Monitor private conversations.

In some cases, victims may feel unable to change passwords due to fear of the consequences.

Monitoring Online Banking

Financial abuse and tech abuse often overlap.

An abuser may:

• Access online banking accounts.

• Monitor spending.

• Restrict financial independence.

• Control access to money.

This can make it harder for victims to leave an abusive situation.

Restricting Access to Technology

Technology is often essential for communication, employment and accessing support services.

An abuser may:

• Take away a phone.

• Restrict internet access.

• Prevent access to email accounts.

• Limit communication with friends, family or support organisations.

Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent

Sharing intimate images without consent is a serious form of abuse and can have devastating emotional consequences.

Victims may experience:

• Humiliation.

• Fear.

• Anxiety.

• Loss of privacy.

This behaviour is a criminal offence and specialist support is available for those affected.

Using Cameras, Microphones or Spyware

Some abusers use hidden technology to monitor victims.

This may include:

• Security cameras inside the home.

• Hidden recording devices.

• Spyware installed on phones or computers.

• Monitoring software that tracks activity.

Victims may feel as though they are constantly being watched, even when alone.

GPS Tracking and Location Monitoring

Many smartphones, apps and devices include location-sharing features.

An abuser may:

• Install tracking applications.

• Use GPS devices.

• Monitor location-sharing settings.

• Track journeys and movements.

This can create a constant sense of fear and surveillance.

Constant Contact and Harassment

Repeated contact can become a form of coercive control.

Examples include:

• Hundreds of text messages.

• Repeated phone calls.

• Continuous emails.

• Harassing social media messages.

The intention is often to create anxiety and prevent the victim from feeling safe.

Smart Home Abuse

As homes become smarter, new opportunities for abuse have emerged.

An abuser may remotely control:

• Heating and thermostats.

• Lighting systems.

• Smart speakers.

• Security cameras.

• Doorbell cameras.

• Smart locks.

For example, lights may be repeatedly switched on and off, heating temperatures altered unexpectedly or cameras used to monitor movements within the home.

Warning Signs of Tech Abuse

You may be experiencing tech abuse if:

• Your partner always seems to know where you are.

• They know information you have not shared.

• Passwords are changed without your knowledge.

• Smart home devices behave unexpectedly.

• You receive excessive calls or messages.

• You feel constantly monitored online.

• You are afraid to use technology freely.

How to Protect Yourself

If you suspect technology is being used to monitor or control you:

• Change passwords using a safe device.

• Enable two-factor authentication where possible.

• Review privacy and location settings.

• Check who has access to shared accounts.

• Speak to a domestic abuse support organisation before removing suspected spyware.

• Keep records of abusive messages or online behaviour where it is safe to do so.

Safety planning is important, as changing settings or removing access can sometimes increase risk.

Reaching Out for Help

Tech abuse can feel overwhelming, particularly when it affects devices and accounts that are part of everyday life. However, support is available.

At Non Violentiam, we provide safe supported accommodation and specialist support for women escaping domestic abuse. We understand that abuse is not always physical and can include coercive control, emotional abuse, financial abuse and technology-facilitated abuse.

You can also seek support from domestic abuse charities, local support services, healthcare professionals and specialist organisations that help survivors navigate both domestic abuse and online safety concerns.

No one should have their privacy, independence or safety taken away through technology. If you believe you are experiencing tech abuse, reaching out for support could be the first step towards regaining control and rebuilding your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is technology-facilitated abuse?

Technology-facilitated abuse is when digital devices, online platforms or technology are used to monitor, control, intimidate or harass another person.

Is tech abuse a form of domestic abuse?

Yes. Tech abuse is often part of a wider pattern of coercive control and domestic abuse.

Can someone track my location through my phone?

Yes. Location-sharing settings, tracking apps and shared accounts can sometimes be used to monitor someone's movements without their full awareness.

Can smart home devices be used to abuse someone?

Yes. Smart thermostats, lighting systems, speakers, cameras and other connected devices can be misused to monitor or harass someone within their own home.

Where can I get help if I am experiencing tech abuse?

You can contact Non Violentiam, domestic abuse charities, local support services or online safety organisations for confidential advice and support.

How to Protect Yourself

If you suspect technology is being used to monitor or control you:

• Change passwords using a safe device.

• Enable two-factor authentication where possible.

• Review privacy and location settings.

• Check who has access to shared accounts.

• Speak to a domestic abuse support organisation before removing suspected spyware.

• Keep records of abusive messages or online behaviour where it is safe to do so.

Safety planning is important, as changing settings or removing access can sometimes increase risk.

What Is a Digital Break-Up?

A digital break-up is the process of reviewing and securing your online accounts, devices and apps after leaving a relationship. This helps reduce the risk of technology-facilitated abuse, unwanted monitoring, location tracking and continued access to personal information by a former partner. Refuge's Digital Break-Up Tool provides guidance on how to identify and secure common digital platforms that may still be connected to an ex-partner.

Planning a Safe Digital Break-Up

For many survivors, leaving an abusive relationship does not immediately end the abuse. Technology can allow an abuser to continue monitoring, tracking or contacting someone long after they have physically separated.

This is why it is important to think about a "digital break-up" as well as a physical one.

A digital break-up involves reviewing the devices, accounts and apps that may still be connected to a former partner and taking steps to improve privacy and security. This can include:

• Changing passwords for email, social media and online banking accounts.

• Reviewing shared cloud storage and photo accounts.

• Checking location-sharing settings on phones and apps.

• Removing unwanted access to smart home devices.

• Reviewing who can access streaming, shopping and delivery accounts.

• Updating security settings and enabling two-factor authentication.

Refuge's Digital Break-Up Tool provides a practical step-by-step guide to help people review commonly used apps, devices and online accounts and identify potential digital safety risks. The tool was created specifically to help people understand and address technology-facilitated abuse and improve their digital security after leaving a relationship.

Anyone concerned about tech abuse can access the guide here:

Refuge Digital Break-Up Tool

Remember that changing passwords, removing access or adjusting security settings can sometimes increase risk if an abusive person becomes aware of these changes. If you have concerns about your safety, seek support from a domestic abuse organisation before making significant changes to your devices or accounts.