What is Tech Facilitated Abuse? A Guide to Online Gender-Based Violence
Technology is part of everyday life, offering connection and convenience. For many women and girls experiencing gender based violence in the UK, that same technology is increasingly used as a tool of control, surveillance and harm. Understanding how this abuse works is essential for safeguarding and accountability.
What is tech facilitated abuse?
Tech facilitated abuse refers to the use of digital tools such as smartphones, apps, social media, smart devices and online platforms to monitor, intimidate, harass or manipulate someone.
This form of abuse often aligns with physical or emotional violence and forms part of a wider pattern of controlling behaviour in gender based violence.
Common forms of tech facilitated abuse
Surveillance and monitoring
Examples include installing spyware on phones or laptops, tracking movements through devices or apps, accessing personal accounts without permission or manipulating smart home devices to create fear.
Online harassment and threats
This may involve persistent unwanted contact, abusive messages, fake social media accounts or threats sent privately or publicly.
Image based abuse
This includes sharing intimate images without consent, threatening to share them, requesting images under pressure or creating sexualised deepfake images.
Economic and identity abuse through technology
Examples include controlling access to online banking, misusing joint accounts, intercepting digital correspondence or creating debt in a victim’s name.
Isolation using technology
This can involve limiting access to devices, demanding login details, deleting contacts, blocking communications or misusing smart devices to control someone’s home environment.
Misuse of smart devices and emerging technologies
Smart locks, security cameras, fitness trackers and voice assisted devices can be used to intimidate, track or monitor a victim.
Gender based violence and tech abuse
Tech facilitated abuse usually supports or escalates established patterns of coercive control, stalking, emotional abuse or sexualised violence. Women and girls are disproportionately affected and often experience gendered forms of harm such as sexualised threats, reputational attacks or surveillance linked to jealousy and control.
A UK source reported that 59 percent of survivors experienced coercive control through social media.
UK legal and policy context
Key legislation relevant to tech facilitated abuse includes:
Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Recognises psychological, emotional and economic abuse and includes digital and remote forms of abuse.
Serious Crime Act 2015. Covers controlling or coercive behaviour, including behaviour carried out using technology.
Online Safety Act 2023. Places duties on platforms to reduce illegal and harmful content affecting women and girls.
Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Applies to harassment carried out online as well as offline.
Conclusion
Tech facilitated abuse is now a core element of gender based violence in the UK. By understanding what it looks like, how it works and the legal protections available, we can create safer digital environments and improve support for survivors.