16 Days of Action 2025 – shining a light on digital domestic abuse
As part of this year’s 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, Somerset Council is focusing on a growing and often hidden form of domestic abuse – digital abuse.
Technology has become part of almost every aspect of our lives. We use it to stay connected, manage our finances, and share our stories. However, for some people, digital tools are used to control, threaten, or monitor – extending abuse beyond the home and into the online world.
Understanding digital abuse
Digital abuse (sometimes called technology-facilitated abuse) happens when someone uses technology – such as phones, social media, smart devices, or tracking apps – to harass, stalk, isolate or control another person. It is a form of coercive control and can have the same devastating impact on someone’s life as any other abuse such as physical abuse.
Examples of digital abuse include:
- Constantly checking your phone, text messages or demanding access to your passwords.
- Monitoring your phone through surveillance or hacking into your account
- Sending threatening or degrading messages via text or social media.
- Using location tracking or smart home devices to monitor your movements.
- Sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent.
- Spreading rumours, posting personal details online, or impersonating you to damage your reputation.
While these behaviours might appear subtle at first, over time they create an environment of fear and control – leaving people feeling as though they have no safe space, even in their own homes.
Why we are talking about it
During 16 Days of Action, which runs from, 25 November to 10 December, we are encouraging everyone to learn more about digital abuse and how to recognise the signs. Technology should not be used as a tool of harm. We want people to understand that abuse can happen anywhere – including online – and that help is available.
How to get support
Help is available every day. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, contact Somerset Domestic Abuse Service:
- Call: 0800 69 49 999 (8am–8pm, 7 days a week including bank holidays)
- Visit: Somerset Domestic Abuse (including live chat)
- Email: domesticabuseservice@somerset.gov.uk
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted — this will connect you to the police through the Silent Solution system.
For those who are D/deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, register with emergencySMS.net to text 999 in an emergency. If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can contact 999 BSL for BSL support.
You can also find information about how to secure your devices, protect your online accounts, and safely store evidence of abuse.
Standing together
This 16 Days of Action, we stand with people experiencing domestic abuse — in all its forms. By raising awareness of digital abuse, we can help more people recognise controlling behaviours, reach out for help, and reclaim their safety and independence.
Technology should empower, not endanger. Together, we can make sure it does.
Further reading:
Why is digital abuse so hard to stop
Reclaiming your digital space – staying safe online
From pixels to power – unveiling the digital battlefield of domestic abuse
Bytes of safety – shielding against digital control in domestic abuse
