Understanding technology-facilitated abuse: How everyday devices are misused in domestic violence

Technology is designed to make our lives easier, safer and more connected – helping us stay in touch with loved ones, work remotely and manage everyday tasks. But for those experiencing domestic or family violence, it can become a silent and deeply invasive tool of control.

Technology-facilitated abuse, also known as digital abuse, involves the misuse of everyday devices and systems to monitor, harass, intimate or restrict someone’s freedom. It is one of the fastest-growing forms of domestic violence and often occurs alongside other patterns of coercive control.

This type of abuse is not always easy to recognise. It often operates quietly – through screens, apps and settings many of us use without thinking twice.

Technology-facilitated abuse can take many forms. It might involve:

• Surveillance through apps, spyware or cloud accounts
• GPS tracking via vehicles or personal items
• Remote access to smart home devices (e.g. cameras, locks, alarms)
• Monitoring or manipulation through digital communications
• Financial control through online banking and payment platforms

These behaviours may start subtly – unusual account activity, disrupted communication, or unfamiliar devices appearing in your settings – but often escalate over time. At its core, this form of abuse is about control: limiting a person’s independence, privacy and safety.

Why technology-facilitated abuse is increasing

As digital devices become more integrated into our homes and routines, the opportunities for misuse are growing. Everyday tech – like Bluetooth trackers, smart doorbells or shared cloud accounts – is increasingly being repurposed to invade privacy, track movements or exert control in domestic violence situations.

A 2024 Australian Institute of Criminology report confirmed that digital coercive control is on the rise, making technology-facilitated abuse a growing concern for individuals, service providers and communities.

Importantly, perpetrators don’t need to be highly tech-savvy. Many of the tools used for surveillance are inexpensive, easy to access online and designed to be discreet – making them hard to detect without professional support.

The growing use of artificial intelligence, including deepfake technology, has also added complexity to the landscape, introducing new forms of psychological harm and reputational damage.

That’s why awareness, education and access to specialist services are so important in helping people feel safe and in control again.

Warning signs of technology abuse

Technology-facilitated abuse often goes unnoticed at first. Many people only begin to suspect it when a series of unusual events start to form a pattern. Some signs to watch for include:

• Phones or devices overheating or draining battery unusually fast, or behaving erratically
• Unfamiliar apps or Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connections
• Changes to account passwords or settings you didn’t make
• Smart home devices activating without your input
• Messages or emails referencing private information you haven’t shared
• Suspicious login activity or bank transactions
• A persistent feeling of being followed – even after cutting contact

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to trust that instinct. You are not imagining it, and you are not alone.

How to get help

The good news is that support is available – and there are clear steps you can take to improve your digital safety.

The Technology Abuse Detection and Assessment Hub (Tech Hub) – operated by the Naturalena Foundation in Brisbane – is a national first. It provides confidential, expert-led support to help clients identify, address and recover from technology-facilitated abuse.

The Tech Hub offers:

• Professional scanning of phones, laptops and tablets to detect spyware or surveillance software
• Physical sweeps of vehicles and homes for hidden trackers or cameras
• Guidance on securing cloud accounts, Wi-Fi networks, social media and shared devices
• Personalised safety planning and digital education tailored to individual needs
• A mobile service for those who cannot safely travel to the Hub

Referrals are typically made by frontline domestic violence services, lawyers or allied health professionals. However, individuals who are concerned about their digital safety can also reach out directly.

These assessments are delivered with discretion, professionalism and care, in partnership with Protective Group, a national provider of personal and digital safety services co-founded by former Detective Sergeant Stephen Wilson. Drawing on his experience in law enforcement, Stephen and his team bring deep expertise in identifying and mitigating complex safety threats.

“Technology-facilitated abuse is often hidden, but it is not invisible to those who know where to look,” says Stephen, now CEO of Protective Group. “With the right expertise and tools, there are clear pathways to restore safety and control.”

Many women accessing support at the Hub describe feeling reassured – knowing their concerns are valid, and that expert help is available to guide them through practical steps toward safety.

Practical tips for protecting your digital safety

Building digital confidence is an important step in safeguarding against technology-facilitated abuse. With the right tools, knowledge and support, women can feel more confident navigating digital spaces safely and securely.

The Naturalena Foundation supports both individuals and frontline professionals in identifying digital risks and building practical skills to reduce them.

If you’re concerned about your digital safety, these steps can help reduce risk and give you more control:

• Change passwords regularly and use strong, unique combinations.
• Enable two-factor authentication on accounts.
• Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings for unfamiliar connections.
• Limit location sharing on apps and social media.
• Review who has access to shared cloud accounts like iCloud or Google.
• Take part in in digital literacy programs to understand how to use technology safely and recognise potential threats
• Have your car, home or devices professionally scanned if you suspect tampering.

With the right support, technology can become part of your recovery – not another source of harm.

Legal options for technology-facilitated abuse

In Queensland, there are legal measures available to help protect against technology-facilitated abuse. Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) can include conditions that restrict digital contact, such as messaging, emails or social media.

Additionally, new laws around coercive control are being introduced to better protect victims, including powers to restrict digital contact under Domestic Violence Orders. The eSafety Commissioner also has the authority to remove harmful content and penalise offenders under national cyber safety laws.

If you believe your privacy or digital safety has been compromised, reaching out for professional or legal support is an important step.

A path forward

Seeking help for technology abuse can feel overwhelming – especially when the signs are difficult to explain or prove. That’s why the Naturalena Foundation’s Tech Hub centres its work on confidentiality, care and expertise.

Support is available for anyone who feels unsure or concerned about their digital safety.

“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,” says Clare Stanford, CEO of The Naturalena Foundation.

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

Visit esafety.gov.au/women for tools, resources and practical advice. For confidential safety assessments and support, contact the Naturalena Foundation Tech Hub on 1300 52 80 30 or visit their website for confidential help.