Technology-Facilitated Domestic Abuse: An under-Recognised Safeguarding Issue?

Responding to domestic abuse is a key element of social work practice, in both child protection and adult safeguarding. This article sets out the ways in which rapid technological advances are being co-opted by perpetrators of domestic abuse to create new ways of exerting control. After starting with a brief reminder of recent UK legislative changes around domestic abuse, the article outlines the main ways in which technologies, including mobile phones and other Internet-enabled devices, are used by abusers for surveillance, monitoring, tracking and otherwise controlling all aspects of the lives of those they target. The article then moves on to consider how some groups may be at greater risk than others of technology-facilitated domestic abuse (TFDA), including women with insecure immigration status, women with learning disabilities and younger women and girls. Finally, the key social work tool for assessing risk in relation to domestic abuse is critiqued as lacking sufficient focus on TFDA. The article concludes by suggesting what individual social workers and local authorities need to do in order to better respond as TFDA continues to evolve. We are increasingly using technology, particularly mobile phones and 'smart' devices like smart TVs, smart doorbells and apps, which control heating and lighting. Technology has lots of benefits; it helps us stay in touch with people, meet new partners, buy things we need and take part in work or education. However, technology can also be used to abuse. Those who perpetrate domestic abuse may use technology to monitor their partner's online activity, track their location or humiliate them online. They may also remotely operate domestic smart devices to scare, confuse, surveil or demonstrate control. Women are more likely than men to experience domestic abuse, including via technology. Some women are more at risk than others, and children can also experience this form of abuse from a partner or parent. Social workers need to be aware of how technology is used as part of abuse, so they can adequately safeguard those subjected to it. Current forms of assessment, particularly the 'Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment and Honour-Based Violence' risk assessment, need updating to better address technology-related harms.