From spy cameras to social media, how domestic abusers exploit technology to torment their victims

Maya Oppenheim looks at how the increasing prevalence of technology can affect the most vulnerable

Refuge, which is the UK’s largest provider of shelters for domestic abuse victims, says the problem is growing (Getty/iStock)

Domestic abuse through technology ranges from revenge porn to account hacking, online identity theft or even monitoring a victim through covert recording devices.

Even owning a smartphone leaves victims susceptible to further torment, with abusers subjecting them to repeated phone calls, social media harassment or installing spyware to track their whereabouts.

Refuge, the UK’s largest provider of shelters for domestic abuse victims, says the problem is growing. It found that 4,004 women seeking help last year – around three-quarters of the total – had faced abuse from their ex-partner perpetrated via technology.