How To Stay Safe Online From Domestic Abuse

Whether we like it or not, technology is playing its part in relationships. From meeting online and following one another on social media to keeping shared diaries and tracking locations, digital communication is here. But is it being used for the best reasons?

In this article, we’re focusing on online abuse. We explain what it is, how perpetrators exploit digital spaces, and how you can protect yourself.

Online domestic abuse can take many forms. Sometimes, victims may know the accuser, but on many occasions, perpetrators create fake accounts to monitor and control their intended target. Online abuse can look like:

• Monitoring social media profiles – both personal and professional
• Reading emails
• Trolling and belittling comments
• Controlling what content can be seen or posted
• Sharing intimate photos or videos without consent
• Using GPS locators

The individuals behind domestic abuse are often extremely patient and methodical with their approach. Gaining vital information that can strengthen their hold and control over another. A single Instagram post can reveal more about someone’s emotional state or insecurities than you might realise. To perpetrators, this is vital information used as ammunition.

In addition to manipulating the thoughts and opinions you share online, they can use digital platforms to track your location, stalk friends, and read your messages, gaining full access to every part of your life. The good news is, you can help limit this risk.

If you’re worried about someone knowing your online movements or gaining access to private information, there are ways to keep yourself safe. Please note that these may not fully cover your digital footprint, but can certainly help.

When using a computer or laptop to research or explore online content, a quick way to protect yourself is to use private browsing. Many search engines allow you to search in incognito mode, so your location is not tracked. You can also clear the cache, block cookies, and clear your search history after each session.

If you’re going online to seek help, we strongly recommend using a device your abuser cannot access, such as a trusted friend or public computer.

Most social media profiles, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, can be set to ‘Private’. This means people have to request to follow you, and you can approve or decline the request. With a private profile, only your approved followers can message you and see what you post, like, share, or comment on. If required, you can also block other accounts, preventing them from even requesting to message or follow you.

If you’re using social media apps, the GPS settings on your phone automatically add a location to anything you post – revealing where you are. This can be switched off in your phone or app settings.

You should also be mindful of others tagging you in posts. This can be a lovely way to share experiences, but it can place vulnerable people at risk. Either request not to be tagged in posts, or set your account to ‘Private’, allowing you to approve any tags.

A quick and easy way to ensure your digital safety is to go back to basics and update your security settings on laptops, iPads, phones, and smart TVs, ensuring each device has a secure password and PIN.

This is also important for shared streaming accounts such as Netflix, Disney+ or Spotify, as well as shared shopping accounts where your personal and financial details are vulnerable. Keep your passwords private and ensure they differ for each device and account.

Unfortunately, there are people in the world looking to disrupt or cause upset. Often referred to as ‘trolls’ or ‘keyboard warriors’, they tend to add negative comments or share offensive content. The best way to shut this behaviour down is to not engage with it and to report the post and account to the relevant platform.

Although home security is well-intentioned, in the wrong hands, it can become dangerous. From pet cameras and baby monitors to Ring doorbells, 24/7 video footage can be collected and watched from a perpetrator’s device. If these devices are in your home, try not to share login details, and be mindful of your words and actions when in front of them, as they might give away key information.

Technology is brilliant at streamlining our lives so we can access everything from multiple devices, no matter where we are. This is where you need to be careful. Notifications can pop up on phones, emails can appear on iPads, and even smart home devices can be accessed remotely. This gives perpetrators full vision and control of your movements. Head to your settings and deactivate any automatic shares to other devices.

Due to the severity and potential harm online abuse can cause, yes, online abuse is a crime in the UK. We have a few laws in place, including the Malicious Communications Act 1988, the Communications Act 2003, and the Online Safety Act 2023, to protect individuals and hold abusers accountable.

Acts recognised as online abuse and considered a crime include:

• Sending messages to cause distress or upset
• Hate crime based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation
• Messages that encourage or assist with self-harm
• Harassment or stalking over social media or digital messaging
• Sending indecent photos or videos of genitals, also known as cyber-flashing
• Revenge pornography – sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent