Inside the Naturalena Tech Hub: How safety assessments help protect victims of domestic violence

Technology-facilitated abuse often hides in everyday devices – through tracking, surveillance and digital interference that can be difficult to detect without specialist support.

Recognising this growing threat, the Naturalena Foundation established the Technology Abuse Detection and Assessment Hub (Tech Hub) – a dedicated, trauma-informed service helping individuals regain digital safety and autonomy.

Located in Brisbane, the Tech Hub provides a national-first model of support for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence facing technology-facilitated abuse.

A specialist facility built for survivor safety

The Tech Hub was created to address a critical service gap: providing specialist technical support for victims of digital surveillance, control and coercion.

“At the Naturalena Foundation, we work in unison with frontline services to strengthen the sector’s response to technology-faciliated abuse, providing a dedicated space where individuals can have concerns about their devices, vehicles or homes professionally assessed,” says Clare Stanford, CEO of the Naturalena Foundation.

“The Tech Hub was designed to offer survivors a confidential, trauma-informed space where they could detect hidden threats, strengthen their digital safety, and feel empowered to take back control.”

Core services include:

• Device and vehicle safety assessments: Scanning phones, laptops, vehicles and homes for spyware, tracking devices, malware and unauthorised surveillance
• Personalised safety planning: Practical guidance on strengthening digital security and reclaiming autonomy
• Security upgrades: Helping survivors access trusted providers to install alarms, security cameras, locks and safer technology systems
• Collaboration with support services: Working closely with domestic violence agencies, police, lawyers and allied health services to ensure a holistic, coordinated response
• Education and training: Building the capacity of frontline professionals to detect and address technology-facilitated abuse

Every service is delivered in a confidential, trauma-informed environment – either at the Hub itself or through the Mobile Service.

How a safety assessment works

When a client is referred to the Tech Hub – or reaches out directly – they undergo a detailed safety assessment conducted by licensed security and technology specialists.

Assessments typically include:

• Scanning of devices (phones, laptops, tablets) for spyware, malware and surveillance tools
• Physical inspections of vehicles and homes for hidden trackers, cameras or listening devices
• Analysis of digital accounts (email, cloud, social media) for vulnerabilities or unauthorised access
• Network security checks on home Wi-Fi and connected devices
• Advice on safer technology practices, tailored to the individual’s risk profile

This assessment is not just about identifying risks – it’s about taking practical steps to remove threats, strengthen security and restore confidence.

When you can’t safely visit: The role of the Mobile Service

For some survivors, travelling to the Tech Hub may not be safe or possible. That’s where the Naturalena Foundation’s Mobile Service plays a critical role.

The mobile team offers the same high-quality assessments at a safe location, including:

• A survivor’s home (if safe to access)
• Domestic violence shelters
• Other agreed-upon safe spaces

There are several reasons why a mobile assessment might be needed:

• When it’s unsafe to attend the Hub in person
• When someone is being moved into emergency accommodation (to ensure no surveillance devices are carried into the refuge)
• When a survivor is concerned that their home may have been compromised by hidden cameras, unauthorised surveillance devices, smart device tampering or Wi-Fi breaches.

In these cases, the Naturalena Foundation’s Project Management team works with technical security specialists to provide a single point of contact, overseeing the implementation of safety recommendations and coordinating home upgrades, including alarms and security systems through trusted service providers.

This wrap-around support ensures survivors aren’t left to navigate complex technical risks on their own.

Specialised technology, trusted expertise

The Naturalena Foundation partners with Protective Group to deliver the specialist technical services underpinning the Tech Hub’s work.

Co-founded by former Detective Sergeant Stephen Wilson, Protective Group brings decades of experience in personal safety, surveillance detection and digital threat migration. Their expertise helps ensure every assessment is handled with precision, discretion and care.

Using advanced forensic tools – including security scanners, RF detectors, signal analysers, network vulnerability checks and forensic evidence collection – the team can identify even the most discreet digital threats.

Combined with practical education on password security, cloud accounts and safer online behaviours, the Tech Hub offers survivors a clear, supported pathway to reclaiming digital control.

“Although technology-facilitated abuse is often concealed, the right expertise and tools can expose threats and support survivors in reclaiming their safety and autonomy," says Stephen, now CEO of Protective Group.

A safer future is within reach

Beyond individual support, the Naturalena Foundation is also working to create systemic change. Its advocacy priorities include:

• Sustained funding for technology safety services
• Expansion of Tech Hub models into regional and remote areas
• Stronger regulations on spyware, covert tracking devices and online safety
• Specialist training for police, legal and health professionals
• Industry accountability for tech companies to implement safety-by-design principles

By working across policy, practice and community, the Foundation is helping to build safer digital environments for everyone.

“At its core, the Naturalena Foundation is committed to empowering survivors by restoring their sense of security, autonomy and a pathway to a safer future,” says Clare. “If you’re feeling concerned or unsure about your digital safety, we encourage you to reach out – support is available, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

“The Tech Hub offers a calm, confidential space where experienced professionals can help you take clear, practical steps to regain your sense of security.”

If you are concerned about your digital safety – or supporting someone who is – you can access confidential support through the Naturalena Foundation on 1300 52 80 30, email [email protected] or visit their website.