When abusers go digital. What we need to know and what we can do about it

Estimated reading time 7 minutes. 

From my study, I call down to my wife, who I can hear moving about in the kitchen:

‘Do you remember how to access files since the [home] computer upgrade? I just can’t find them!’

My wife comes upstairs to show me and after a few minutes I am back on track. She is more digitally literate than me, no doubt. Although I’m reasonably OK with technology, over the last year or so, as digital platforms and apps continue to change and upgrade, I’ve become more cautious engaging with it.

There is no doubt that the digital age has transformed the way people communicate, manage their finances and access essential services, bringing greater convenience and efficiency. Technology can certainly help reduce social isolation and improve access to support. But such rapid advances have also introduced new challenges and barriers for some.

This has important implications for everyone working in adult safeguarding, Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs) and adult safeguarding networks. 

We know that social isolation, dependence on others for care, or limited social networks can heighten a person’s risk. A lack of digital literacy or understanding of personal safety online can further increase someone’s vulnerability, making them more susceptible to financial, emotional or exploitative forms of abuse.

When an abuser goes digital

We often think of abuse in physical or psychological terms: control, manipulation, isolation or financial coercion. 

But in today’s world, perpetrators are increasingly turning to technology as a tool to extend, intensify or hide their abusive behaviours. 

Recognising how this works and knowing what to look for is an essential skill for intervening early and protecting those at risk.

How perpetrators can use technology

Abuse via technology is not a new phenomenon and is likely to occur alongside other forms of abuse. But uniquely, technology-facilitated abuse does not require physical proximity to the victim. 

Here are some of the ways tech is misused in adult abuse:

• Surveillance tools: hidden cameras, voice-activated devices (like smart speakers), spyware apps or GPS trackers allow an abuser to monitor someone’s every movement and conversation. The victim can feel trapped even in their own home.
  
  
• Control of devices/accounts: the abuser may insist on owning or controlling the victim’s phone, tablet or computer. They may demand passwords, remotely lock or disable devices, or block access to apps and communications.
  
  
• Digital harassment and intimidation: threatening emails, texts, social media messages, or spreading false rumours online can be part of coercive control. The abuser can taunt, shame or terrify the victim from a distance.

• Financial abuse via tech: the perpetrator may control online banking, siphon off funds via apps, or force the victim to make in-app purchases. They might demand access to credit cards, or online wallets.
  
  
• Social isolation through technology: the abuser can monitor or restrict the victim’s social media, block connections, or create fake accounts to harass or gaslight them. The victim may be discouraged from seeking support online.

Technology, then, may be a ‘silent instrument’ of abuse, less visible but deeply invasive. 

Good timing - new guidance for practitioners

So, it was good timing when an email from Cara at Dewis Choice dropped into my inbox.

I previously worked with Rebecca and Elize from Dewis Choice Initiative (a research project based at Aberystwyth University’s Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice) to produce the Hidden Harms animation, about domestic abuse and older adults.

Cara had sent me a link to great NEW practitioner guidance called Supporting Older Victims of Technology Facilitated Domestic Abuse. 
(NB: the guidance is intended for use by professionals only.)

As the guidance notes:

‘Limited exposure to technology, lower confidence in navigating digital tools, and unfamiliarity with online risks can expose older adults to risks such as scams, fraud, and technology-facilitated abuse’ (Independent Age, 2024).

As more services shift online, increasing numbers of older people rely on family members or caregivers to manage digital tasks on their behalf. This is a topic we need more eyes on, definitely. 

The new guidance on digital vulnerability has been written by Dewis Choice, Dyfed-Powys Police and Parental Education Growth Support – a pioneering lived-experience social enterprise working alongside parents, carers and guardians impacted by child-to-parent abuse, including abuse from adult children. The toolkit draws on police data, victim insights and real-life case studies to show how perpetrators misuse everyday technologies to monitor, control, exploit and intimidate older victims.

I really like this guide. It has clear, well researched information on the different aspects of technology-enabled abuse, but also advice on practical ways to prevent it. The Practitioner Quick Action Response section shows how to prevent stalking via mobile phone tracking, make bank accounts more secure and lock smart devices. The section on coercive control (under the guise of ‘help’) is particularly worth reading. So, too, is the section explaining the legal framework, which can help practitioners identify criminal behaviours, inform victims of their rights, and advocate for their safety and justice.

Norfolk

In our county (and I am sure Norfolk is not alone) there is a significant digital skills gap. Approximately 14.5% of Norfolk residents have limited or no confidence in their digital skills. A 2018 report found that one in four people in the county were unable to perform at least one basic digital task. Couple this with uneven internet access and we know that vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected.

But significant efforts to tackle this skills gap are being made by the team delivering Tech Skills for Life (TSfL)

Tech Skills for Life is a partnership led by Norfolk County Council (NCC), who are working with the NHS, local councils and a range of  community organisations and volunteer groups to make sure everyone can use technology and access essential online services if they want to. 

Having completed a successful pilot scheme in west Norfolk, TSfL is now expanding to cover Breckland, north Norfolk and Great Yarmouth Borough areas.

TSfL has made a real difference, helping thousands of people gain essential digital skills, access vital services, and stay connected with friends and family. The programme is breaking down barriers to digital inclusion and ensuring no one is left behind in our increasingly digital society. Here is a short video about the stories of individuals supported TSfL Making a Difference - Tech Skills for Life.

What to do?

There are opportunities for everyone working with an adult at risk of abuse and harm to raise awareness of digital vulnerabilities and technology-enabled abuse, promote safe technology habits, work to create safe reporting routes and advocacy support, and collaborate across sectors.

Here are four practical actions you can take: 

1. Share the new practitioner guidance with your colleagues – put it on the agenda for your next team meeting.
   
   
2. Use the Practitioner Quick Action Responses in your assessments and think about a person’s digital vulnerabilities when assessing their risk.
   
   
3. Use open questions about the person’s digital life to start conversations (‘Does anyone else use your phone or computer?). Ensure they understand the choices and respect their autonomy. The path to protection is not about seizing control, but supporting safe control by the person themselves.
   
   
4. Talk with the person about the support that TSfL can offer. To make a referral call 01485 536420 or 01493 448246. The line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. A community tech coach will answer the call, or you can leave them a message. Or complete the TSfL online form which can be found on this page Tech Skills for Life - Norfolk County Council (scroll to the bottom of the page).

And further afield, use the guidance as a prompt to encourage SABs to consider digital vulnerability and to work with their partners to develop a plan to address it locally.

Final thoughts

Technology is a double-edged sword: it can connect, empower and safeguard, or it can be turned into a tool of fear, monitoring and control. To protect adults at risk, we need vigilance, education, agency and coordinated action. Digital vulnerability needs to be added to the known vulnerabilities that increase a person’s risk of abuse and harm. Let’s keep watching the horizon: not to sensationalise, but to spot threats early and help address the risks.

Thank you.

Walter Lloyd-Smith

Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board Manager