What is tech abuse?
Digital abuse is a manipulative and dangerous form of domestic violence, where abusers take advantage of the power that technology can give them to threaten or harm their victims. The malicious use of devices has now become an ever-increasing problem in our technological world; one that should not be overlooked as it inflicts deep psychological trauma on those affected by it.
There is no definitive definition of tech abuse. Instead, it broadly includes any type of harmful or damaging behaviour carried via digital devices, networks, or services.
Technology abuse can come from anywhere; it might be an intimate partner, a relative you thought was close to you, someone in the office with whom there’s never been any tension, or even a stranger. No one is safe — not until we protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Tech abuse typically incorporates other forms of abuse, such as physical violence, economic abuse, coercive control, and sexual abuse.
Tech abuse and the domestic abuse bill 2019-21
The Domestic Abuse Bill 2019-21, given royal ascent in April 2021, redefined domestic abuse and set out extra protections for witnesses and survivors. While the bill does not explicitly refer to ‘tech abuse’ it is designed to encompass the behaviours, rather than the tools and resources, used to inflict abuse.
The government definition of domestic violence and abuse is:
‘Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:
- psychological
- physical
- sexual
- financial
- emotional
‘Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.’
How can technology be misused or abused?
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, from smartphones and laptops for keeping in touch with loved ones to fitness trackers that help us stay healthy. We’re also utilising internet-connected devices like Alexa and home security systems – making life simpler while ensuring the safety we need!
These ‘smart’ technologies, along with the apps, accounts, profiles, networks, and services they connect to, each have the potential to be used by tech abusers.
Domestic abuse can take on insidious forms with modern technology, from exclusion and harassment to stalking, intimidation, and degradation. Perpetrators utilise it as a means of manipulation and control over their victims.
Abusers can be sly, using tactics to gain access to their partner’s devices without permission. This allows them a window into the victim’s personal lives – tracking everywhere they go and who they talk with via monitoring apps, spying on messages exchanged between friends and family members, even gaining insight from private photos stored in phones or computers.
Tech abusers can find freedom in anonymity or identity impersonation online. While some take steps to conceal their activities, others choose not to hide behind a mask and operate openly on the web.
What do they do with this information?
Technology has become a powerful weapon in the hands of abusers, enabling them to inflict pain on victims without having to be physically present. The effects of tech abuse can be as devastating and destructive as any other form, leaving lasting scars on survivors.
Keep an eye out for our next blog which will cover examples of digital abuse in relationships.