16 Days of Action 2025: Understanding the Hidden Reach of Technology-Facilitated Abuse
As part of this year’s 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, Somerset Council is focusing on digital abuse – a form of domestic abuse that can be difficult to recognise, escape, or stop.
Digital abuse happens when technology is used to control, harass, or intimidate someone. It can involve tracking someone’s movements through their phone, monitoring their online activity, or sending threatening messages. However, what makes it so hard to stop isn’t just the technology itself – it’s the way that technology has become woven into every part of our daily lives.
1. Technology is everywhere
Phones, laptops, smart speakers, and even cars are now connected to the internet. While this makes life easier, it also gives abusers more opportunities to invade someone’s privacy or control their behaviour. Turning off devices or disconnecting entirely often isn’t realistic – people need technology for work, school, and social contact.
2. Abusers can stay hidden
Many digital tools leave little visible trace. Abusers may use hidden tracking apps, spoofed accounts, or fake social media profiles to monitor or contact their partner without detection. This can make it difficult for people experiencing abuse to prove what is happening – or even realise they are being watched.
3. The law is still catching up
While laws around coercive control, stalking, and image-based abuse now recognise digital behaviour, technology evolves faster than legislation. Platforms change their privacy settings, new apps appear, and perpetrators quickly find new ways to exploit them. It means that professionals, police, and tech companies are constantly adapting to keep pace.
4. Victims often feel trapped
For many people experiencing digital abuse, the abuser may already have access to their accounts, devices, or shared cloud storage. Attempting to cut ties or change passwords can trigger further abuse. The fear of escalation can make people hesitant to take action — especially when children, shared finances, or housing are involved.
5. Isolation makes it worse
Digital abuse doesn’t just invade someone’s privacy – it isolates them. Being constantly watched or harassed online can make people withdraw from friends, family, and work, cutting them off from the very networks that could help them escape.
How we can help
Stopping digital abuse requires awareness, education, and practical support. That is why Somerset Council and partners are working to:
- Raise awareness of what digital abuse looks like.
- Provide confidential support through Somerset Domestic Abuse Service.
- Promote online safety and help people secure their devices.
If you’re worried about your safety or someone else’s, support is available via our local 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.
Further reading:
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
