How digital abuse is changing intimate partner violence in the age of technology

In the age of technology, the tools that were once seen as empowering, especially for women, are now being used to facilitate a new form of intimate partner violence (IPV): digital abuse. While technology can bridge the gender divide and empower women in many areas, it has also given rise to modern challenges where abusers exploit digital platforms to exert control, manipulate, and intimidate their partners.

What is digital abuse and how does it impact relationships?

Digital abuse involves using technology to harass, threaten, or control a partner. It is a form of IPV that can take many forms, from constant surveillance and monitoring to the public sharing of intimate content. The anonymity and wide reach of the internet make digital abuse especially harmful, as it can extend beyond the private space and reach friends, family, or even the broader public.

What are the common forms of digital abuse?

Digital abuse takes many damaging forms, often using technology to harass, control, or humiliate the victim. Some common examples include:

Threats to share intimate photos: An abuser may use intimate photos or videos as blackmail. For instance, if the victim refuses to comply with demands, such as giving money or staying in the relationship, the abuser might threaten to publicly post these images online or share them with friends and family, leading to shame, humiliation, and emotional distress.

Constant surveillance: Abusers can monitor their partner’s activities by checking messages, emails, or social media interactions without permission. They might install tracking software or apps on phones, watches, or laptops to monitor the victim’s location and movements, controlling their freedom and making them feel constantly watched.

Unauthorised access to accounts: Shared passwords, often given in trust, can be misused by the abuser to access private information. They may read personal messages, change account settings, or lock the victim out of their own accounts. This invasion of privacy can be used to further manipulate or control the victim’s personal life.

Defamation through messages: Abusers may use technology to spread false information about their partner, sending discrediting or hurtful messages to their contacts. This can damage the victim’s reputation, cause social isolation, and impact their professional and personal relationships.

Releasing private content: Known as “revenge porn,” this form of abuse involves sharing intimate photos or videos without consent. Images that were shared privately can be used to humiliate the victim publicly, damaging their self-esteem and causing severe emotional harm.

Cyberstalking: This involves repeatedly sending unwanted or threatening messages via social media, email, or text, often tracking the victim’s online activity. It creates fear and anxiety, as the victim feels they cannot escape the abuser’s reach, even online.

Social media manipulation: Abusers may create fake social media profiles to harass the victim, spread false information, or impersonate them to damage their reputation. They might also monitor their partner’s social media activity, demanding explanations for who they communicate with or what they post.

Monitoring financial activities: Through online banking or credit card accounts, abusers may track the victim’s spending or limit access to finances, deepening their control over the victim’s financial independence.

Controlling smart home devices: In homes equipped with smart technology, abusers may manipulate settings for lights, locks, or security cameras to frighten or control their partner, making them feel powerless even in their own home.

How does technology make intimate partner violence worse?

All the forms of IPV that we have discussed in previous posts—financial, emotional, psychological, physical, and sexual violence—are heightened and deepened by technology. Abusers now have the tools to extend their control beyond the home, manipulating their victims even when they are apart. The ease of accessing someone's private life through technology makes it easier for abusers to monitor, threaten, or humiliate their partners.

What are the long-term effects of digital abuse on victims?

Digital abuse can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. Victims may experience heightened anxiety, depression, and isolation as their abuser invades every aspect of their life. The fear of having private moments shared publicly can leave victims feeling powerless and afraid to reach out for help. Additionally, the damage to one’s reputation through the sharing of discrediting messages or images can have serious social and professional consequences.

How can women protect themselves from digital abuse?

1. Ensure that your privacy settings are maximised across all your social media and communication platforms. Avoid sharing sensitive information online.

2. If you have shared passwords with a partner, make sure to update them regularly and use strong, unique combinations.

3. Enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorised access to your accounts.

4. Avoid sharing intimate content or personal information that could be used against you later.

5. Keep track of any apps or software that could allow someone to monitor your activity or location.

Why is it important to address digital abuse in relationships?

Technology has become deeply integrated into our everyday lives, offering both empowerment and potential harm. While it has helped many women access information, resources, and opportunities, it has also opened new avenues for abusers to control, harass, and manipulate their partners. Digital abuse is a growing form of intimate partner violence that perpetrates and perpetuates abuse by providing constant opportunities for surveillance, control, and humiliation, often extending beyond physical presence.

Addressing digital abuse is critical because it can escalate other forms of IPV, such as emotional, financial, and psychological abuse, making it even harder for victims to escape.

FAQs about digital abuse in relationships

1. What is the most common form of digital abuse?  The most common forms of digital abuse include monitoring a partner’s messages, tracking their location, and threatening to release private content online.

2. Can digital abuse happen in non-violent relationships?  Yes, digital abuse can occur even in relationships where physical violence is absent. It is a form of control and manipulation that can exist independently of physical abuse.

   
   

3. What should I do if I suspect I am a victim of digital abuse?  If you suspect you are being digitally abused, take immediate steps to secure your accounts by changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and seeking professional advice or support.

4. How can I prevent my partner from tracking my phone?  Regularly check your phone for any unfamiliar apps or tracking software. Reset your device to factory settings if you believe it has been compromised, and avoid sharing your location data unless absolutely necessary.

   
   

5. What legal options do I have if my partner threatens to release private content?  Many countries have laws against "revenge porn" or the unauthorised sharing of intimate content. Contact local authorities or legal services for advice on protecting your rights.

6. How does digital abuse affect children?  Children can be indirectly affected by digital abuse if they witness their parent being harassed or manipulated through technology. This can lead to emotional distress and confusion.

7. How can I protect my online presence in a relationship?  Be cautious about sharing sensitive information with your partner. Set strong passwords, use privacy settings, and avoid linking devices or accounts.

8. Can I be tracked through social media?  Yes, abusers can use social media to track your location, activities, and interactions. Regularly review your privacy settings and limit the information you share publicly.

9. Is digital abuse a crime?  In many jurisdictions, digital abuse, including cyberstalking and the unauthorised sharing of intimate content, is a crime. Legal protections vary, so it is important to understand your rights.

10. How can I support someone experiencing digital abuse?  Listen to them without judgement, encourage them to take security measures, and guide them towards professional help, such as legal advice or support services.

Concluding reflections at NITE TANZARN IntellectNest

At NITE TANZARN IntellectNest, we believe that addressing digital abuse is a vital part of combating intimate partner violence in today’s technology-driven world. While technology has brought incredible opportunities for empowerment, it has also created new pathways for abuse. The ease with which abusers can track, control, and humiliate their partners through digital means highlights the urgent need for awareness, education, and action. By equipping women with the tools to protect their digital privacy and advocating for stronger legal protections, we can create a safer, more equitable future. Digital abuse must be recognised for what it is—an insidious form of control that we can and must fight against.