In 21st-century technology, abuse is the new “form”.At the root of domestic violence is an abuser´s need to exert power and control over their victim. This comes in the form of monitoring, harassing, threatening and hurting their targeted ex or current intimate partner. The abuse can be private and/or global, depending on the perpetrators’ desire to injure and destroy their victims’ reputations and self-esteem. So how does the abuser succeed? In fact, stalking is very much possible through technology abuse.
- Install spyware on a victim`s phone, computer or tablet.
- Impersonate their victim on social media networks to humiliate, isolate or punish.
- They give children electronic presents that are already hacked, revealing the victims’ location.
- The use of private pictures as revenge porn and threatening exposure to family, friends or social media.
- The sabotaging of job-hunting by contacting potential employers and giving negative feedback.
- Cancelling court dates, the survivor is found negligent, unstable, unable to care for the children, and loses full custody.
What kind of help can government laws in all countries give? What should DVA Activists Petition Globally?
- A law is passed that makes it illegal to use technology to track or spy on partners or ex-partners.
- Give police extra powers to respond to cases that involve tech abuse.
- Update stalking laws to include technology abuse.
- Make it possible for survivors of technology abuse in domestic violence to get a recourse under the following:
- Electronic surveillance laws
- Cyberstalking
- Voyeurism
- Identity fraud.
- A need for more trained technologists to help victims and survivors of technology domestic violence. More clearly defined services to assess digital security, and
- Help in Scan phones and other devices, including children’s toys for Spyware,
- Educate more on the Red flags of Tech abuse and know when the GPS trackers in cars, cameras in the house, and devices are no longer about the family security and safety but control and abuse.
- Recognize the mental anguish of the psychological abuse to the victims and survivors of technology domestic violence on equal standing as Stalking laws.
ALERT:As a victim or survivor of technology abuse create a plan for safety by working with Domestic Violence Agencies /hotline. Do not alert your abuser that you have caught. Behave as normal as possible. Why? It could escalate to violence and evidence could be destroyed before you can report it. Let them know you are hurt but do not damage their ego by showing your brightness. Play Dumb until you are Safe!!!