The focus of this event was to share resources developed from an animation about Technology and Domestic Abuse, which the Partnership developed and launched last year. The launch will help to raise awareness and education on the topic of technology and domestic and sexual violence and abuse.

The Partnership brings together all statutory and non-statutory agencies, groups and individuals working to tackle domestic and sexual violence and abuse. Its purpose is to develop and deliver a high-quality, coordinated, multi-agency response for all victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse.

Sheila Simons, Chair of the SEDSVAP noted that “technology is constantly changing and evolving and there are many positive benefits in terms of enabling communication and facilitating wider access to information. There is a downside, however, in that increasing numbers of abusers misuse technology to stalk, harass and coercively control their victims. By bringing key partners together, we hope to raise awareness of this growing problem so that service providers better understand the problem and learn how to best assist victims to be safe.”

The majority of women who use our service, experience technology abuse alongside domestic abuse. With the rise of personal technology and social media, there are more tools than ever that abusers can use to control, abuse, and degrade victim-survivors. Technology facilitated abuse is another form of Coercive Control. It can make a person dependent by isolating them from support, exploiting them, depriving them of independence and controlling their everyday behaviour. We hope the Technology & Abuse Animation and the resources provided will help raise awareness, not only to professionals working with domestic abuse, but mainly to society and help individuals recognise the signs of technology facilitated abuse and most importantly reach out for help and support.

Emalyn Turkington, CEO of North Down & Ards Women’s Aid and Chair of the Ards Sub group

Rhonda Lusty, CEO, Men’s Advisory Project stated that they “view online and digital abuse as another tool an abuser can use to devastating effect. Men tell us that they must answer their abuser when or how they demand, or face even worse behaviour. Digital abuse can happen over long periods and men often report the abuse escalates over time. Behaviours such as monitoring of mobile devices and social media profiles or emails are commonly reported with men being asked to remove contacts or explain interactions daily. Threats of abuse or campaigns of abuse over social media such as Facebook or Twitter, sharing intimate photos or videos without their consent, using social media to track their whereabouts are things we regularly support men with. Please always know that the Men’s Advisory Project are here to help and support you and we thank the SEDSVAP for their focus on this area of abuse and their excellent campaign.”