Supporting
survivors
Do you know someone experiencing technology-facilitated abuse?
When phones, social media, cameras, or other kinds of technology are used to harm or control, that is technology-facilitated abuse. Even if it is “only” online, it has real life effects.
Technology is often just one of many forms of domestic abuse. It may not be safe to talk or share information if their phone or email is being monitored. Help them find a safe way to reach out for help.
What you can do?
- Listen. Believe.
- Learn more about technology-facilitated abuse.
- If it’s safe, share the information on this site or Refuge’s 24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Freephone) on 0808 2000 247.
Help for professionals
Abusers use technology to carry out physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse using technology. For example, they may hack a phone or use social media, cameras, or other kinds of technology to try to harm or control.
You can read our tips on how to speak to survivors about domestic abuse. You may be the first person to whom a woman discloses the abuse, so go at their pace. It is critical that you listen to her and believe her.
It is better for the woman to visit this site or contact us directly. You can empower her by sharing information about the guides to securing devices and accounts on this site, explaining who we are, and what it’s like to call us.
Some professionals have duties to support and protect women and children experiencing, or at risk of, domestic abuse. Understand your duties, and the policies and procedures your organisation has in place to recognise abuse and support survivors.