Technology-Facilitated Abuse: The Growing Digital Threat in Family Law

Common forms of tech abuse include hacking the victim’s phone, social media or email account, cyber-stalking, monitoring through “smart home” devices, location tracking, financial control via online banking, etc.

The rise of smart devices and technology in the home has expanded the various ways abuse can take place.  For example, smart speakers, camera devices, tracking devices, and remote control of home systems.

Often, tech abuse does not occur in isolation, and is part of a broader pattern of coercive control and domestic abuse.

Hidden trackers/tags have been used by abusers in luggage, cars and even in children’s belongings.  For example, a tracker sewn into children’s clothing or shoes, or hidden in their bag. 

This allows someone to monitor location without consent, or under the guise of insurance or safety but is used to monitor movement of a victim.

An abuser may set up smart devices or tracking via children’s devices or accounts, then use that to monitor or control the other parent or child, often claiming it is “normal parenting”.

Smart home devices, such as smart speakers, cameras, smart doorbells, connected heating/locks, are used to monitor in-home activity. 

They can overhear conversations, view people in the house and can manipulate the environment, such as locking doors, changing the heating, etc.  This is a form of psychological and coercive control.

An abuser may hack or take over a victim’s social media accounts, email accounts and mobile phone to gain access to communications, location history or financial accounts. 

They may impersonate the victim or intercept communications which can cause the victim reputational damage, harassment or emotional distress.

The rise of artificial intelligence has opened up further forms of tech abuse, such as the use of voice cloning, fake images, fake locations or identity portrayal. 

They may be used to create fake audio recordings, deep-fake images (i.e. showing someone somewhere they never were), or forged evidence to manipulate, intimidate or discredit a victim. 

This is especially dangerous in divorce, financial remedy and children proceedings.

Because these methods can be covert, victims often do not realise what’s happening until later, or they may find evidence difficult to gather.  This highlights the growing importance of awareness, vigilance and support, whether legal or otherwise.

• If you suspect that someone is monitoring your tech, consider accessing help or information from a safe device (not the one you think is compromised). Seek support from domestic abuse services, such as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247.  If you are in urgent need, you should call the police immediately on 999.
• Secure your technology. Make use of digital security tools and follow guidance on securing your tech, such as enabling two-factor authentication and changing passwords and ensure they are strong/unique passwords.  Avoid sharing login details even with someone you trust.
• Treat tracking devices, such as Apple tags and “safety” gadgets with caution. Check belongings, luggage, children’s items, cars, and regularly inspect them for hidden devices.  Sweeping services can be used to identify any listening or tracking devices.
• Turn off location settings on all devices.
• Block your ex-partner’s phone number and social media accounts and only communicate through co-parenting apps.
• Preserve digital evidence such as screenshots or messages and send them to another device or third party.
• Keep devices and software up to date, such as operating systems and apps, as many security vulnerabilities are addressed through updates.

Tech abuse is, unfortunately, no longer rare.  It is a growing, evolving weapon in domestic abuse.  

The increasing availability of inexpensive tracking devices, smart home gadgets and AI tools means that abusers now have far more options to monitor, control, intimidate or manipulate victims and to hide their actions.

If you suspect that you, or someone you know, are experiencing tech abuse you are not alone and help is available.  Organisations such as Refuge provide support, advice and tools for those wanting to secure their devices and regain control.

As mentioned above, you can also call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or if you are in urgent need, call the police on 999.