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Emergency Numbers: 999 (Dial 55 while on the line if you cannot speak), ESDAS: 01737 771 350
When a relationship becomes controlling, it is not unusual for abusive partners to monitor emails, online activity, text messages and social media posts.
This can happen over long periods or easily escalate over time to include the use of GPS locators and spyware, or the sharing of intimate photos without consent.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are seeking support for an abusive relationship, it’s essential you first understand how to keep yourself safe online and consider using a device outside of the home. Your local library is a great option for this.
Visit Women’s Aid where you’ll find detailed technical advice on how to delete your browsing history and information around password access for emails, location tracking, vehicle trackers, online banking and signs to look out for if you suspect you online activity is being monitored.
Perpetrators of domestic abuse are increasingly using digital tools and technology to control, monitor, or harass their partners and ex-partners. This can happen through everyday devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices.
Perpetrators may access your accounts by pressuring you to share passwords, PINs, or swipe patterns, or by installing monitoring software that tracks your location and activities. Some apps and devices, such as tracking software or even legitimate tools like Apple AirTags, can be misused to monitor you without your knowledge. Perpetrators may also create fake social media profiles in your name to humiliate or intimidate you.
While hacking is a criminal offence, impersonation through fake accounts is a form of abuse, even if not illegal.
The Online Safety Bill (previously called the Digital Safety Bill) strengthens protections online, aiming to reduce abuse, harassment, and harmful content on digital platforms. It is important to be aware that technology-facilitated abuse is increasingly recognised under UK law.
We recommend creating a technology safety plan to protect yourself. You can do this alone or with the support of your outreach worker. Some steps to consider include:
Before taking any steps, consider how your abuser may respond if they realise they have lost control. Sometimes maintaining one device under their observation while using another discreetly can help ensure your safety and allow you to collect evidence if needed.
For more guidance, advice, and practical steps to stay safe online, these organisations and resources are invaluable:
At ESDAS, we are here to support survivors of digital abuse, offering guidance, safety planning, and practical advice to protect your privacy and wellbeing.
Clare’s Law allows the police to release information about any previous history of violence or abuse a person might have.
You can:
If police checks show that the individual has a record of abusive behaviour, or there is other information to indicate that you or someone you know may be at risk, the police will consider sharing this information with you.
The scheme aims to help you make a more informed decision on whether to continue a relationship and provides further help and support to assist you when you make that choice.
