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People can experience abuse through technology. This happens when one person uses mobile, online or digital technology to control or intimidate another. One example is using a device to track where someone goes. Another example is sharing intimate pictures without permission. It is against the law in Australia. On this page, you can learn to recognise the problem. You can find out how to protect yourself. You can get advice about what to do if it affects you.
Technology is an important part of our daily lives. Like any powerful tool, it can be used in the wrong way. Abuse through technology includes:
These actions are not just hurtful, annoying or scary; they are against the law.
Abuse through technology can feel hard to manage. It can be hard to recognise. But you can learn the signs and work to protect your privacy. Help is available to keep you safe.
Technological abuse can happen in many ways. It can happen through text messages, social media platforms and hidden devices. It may be done by a stranger or by someone that you know. For example, someone might control or track a woman with disabilities. Or, someone might limit her access to her phone and internet saying it is for her 'safety'.
Examples of technological abuse include:
Some kinds of disability make it harder to recognise abuse through technology. If you are worried, talk to a trusted person or call a helpline . You can find helplines on the Neve Helplines directory (internal link).
You can take steps to protect yourself from technological abuse.
To improve safety online, you can:
Each state and territory has laws to protect people experiencing abuse through technology.
If you suspect that someone is using technology to abuse you, you can:
The eSafety Commissioner has made Easy Read resources to help you stay safe online. You can access these resources on the eSafety Commissioner website (external link ).
The first thing to do is to make sure you are safe. Look after your body and your emotions. If you are in danger, go somewhere safe. Seek medical attention if you need it.
Then, take a deep breath. We're sorry you've had to deal with this. We hope the situation gets better. We know that experiencing abuse can be confusing, intimidating, and stressful. People may try to make you believe it is your fault. Sometimes, leaving the situation is hard.
Remember that you are never to blame for bad behaviour. What happened to you is not your fault.
Here is a list of things you could do if you’ve experienced abuse through technology. You should choose the options that are right for you.
Having a disability can make it harder to escape violence and abuse. Limited mobility or social isolation might make it harder to get help. Moving out or getting away from the person who hurts you can seem impossible when money is in short supply. However, help is available.
Even if the person who hurt you is important to you, you can still get help. Many people are hurt by someone they know. It may be an intimate partner, a parent or carer, or someone else in authority, such as a health worker or service provider. You don't have to go to the police if you don't want to. Either way, support is available to keep you safe and help you recover.
Mariam has separated from her partner but he regularly turns up where she is, at cafes, shops and other people's houses. Mariam and her friend go for a drive. A security notification shows on her friends iPhone saying an unknown AirTag is travelling with them. Neither Mariam nor her friend owns an AirTag. Mariam immediately phones the Police, who locate the AirTag on her car and find out it is registered to Mariam's ex-boyfriend. This is a criminal office and an example of technological abuse, monitoring and surveillance.
This section provides information about helplines - telephone and text services that offer help when you need it. Helplines can give you advice, understanding and links to practical support. Here, you can learn to choose a service that meets your needs and prepare for the call. We also share a list of helplines across Australia. If you have an emergency, call 000 (triple zero) to speak to the police or ambulance.
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