By Mikayla S
At Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV), we recognize that technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) poses a significant threat to victims and survivors of domestic violence. TFA is a form of abuse that occurs through digital platforms, enabling abusers to exert control and intimidation long after the relationship has ended. This type of abuse can be just as damaging as physical violence, often leaving survivors feeling trapped and vulnerable.
What is Technology-Facilitated Abuse?
TFA encompasses a wide range of harmful behaviors, including repeated texting, excessive calling, tracking devices, and abuse via social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and others【Rogers et al., 2022】. As digital technology continues to evolve, the potential for abusers to disrupt their victims’ lives has grown, with tactics such as covertly installing spyware on a partner’s phone becoming more prevalent. Despite its increasing frequency, there is still limited research on TFA, with studies only beginning to emerge since 2002 in countries like Australia, the USA, and the UK.
A recent study from Spain highlighted the alarming prevalence of TFA, reporting that 35.8% of female and 26.5% of male university students experienced both victimization and perpetration of TFA【Rogers et al., 2022】. This demonstrates that TFA is a widespread issue that impacts individuals across demographics.
The Psychological Impact of Coercive Control
Coercive control is a tactic often employed by abusers, and its psychological effects can be even more damaging than physical violence. When combined with TFA, victims may find their entire lives exposed online, leading to further feelings of vulnerability and violation. Abusers can leverage the information available on social media to maintain a sense of control over their victims, often using it to harass or intimidate them even after separation【Bailey et al., 2023】.
Understanding Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking, a form of TFA, involves the use of digital tools to monitor and harass victims. This may include sending threatening messages, distributing obscene content, and unauthorized access to a victim’s computer or mobile devices. Much like traditional stalking, cyberstalking serves as a way for abusers to punish their victims for leaving the relationship, perpetuating a cycle of fear and control【Bailey et al., 2023】.
Protecting Yourself from Technology-Facilitated Abuse
As survivors navigate the challenges of TFA, it’s crucial to implement safety measures to protect personal information and social media accounts. Here are some essential steps:
- Personalize Privacy Settings: Review and adjust privacy settings on all social media accounts, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, Snapchat, and LinkedIn. Make sure your profiles are as private as possible.
- Pause Before Posting: Before sharing any content, consider whether you’re comfortable with the abuser seeing it. If not, it’s best to refrain from posting.
- Turn Off Geolocation: Disable geolocation features on social media platforms and apps to prevent sharing your whereabouts, which could pose a safety risk.
- Change Passwords: If you’ve recently separated from your abuser, change your passwords immediately. Abusers often observe their victims to learn their access codes, so regular updates are essential for security.
- Vet Your Friends and Followers: Review your social media connections. If anyone seems to side with the abuser or makes you uncomfortable, consider deleting or blocking them.
Conclusion
At BTSADV, we are committed to raising awareness about technology-facilitated abuse and its impact on survivors of domestic violence. By understanding TFA and implementing protective measures, individuals can regain control over their lives in the digital age. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to support you in reclaiming your safety and autonomy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing technology-facilitated abuse, reach out for help. Together, we can break the silence and empower survivors to take back their lives. #BTSADV #BreakTheSilenceAgainstDomesticViolence #TechnologyFacilitatedAbuse #Cyberstalking
