Tech-Facilitated Abuse
Tech-Facilitated Abuse
Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) is the use of technology to coerce, harm, sabotage, attack, threaten, or intimidate someone. The person misusing the technology may be known to the target (a current or former intimate partner, an acquaintance, or a coworker), or a stranger. The person engaging in abuse might conceal their identity or be clear about who they are. TFA may also be called: technology-enabled coercive control, digital abuse, or tech abuse.
Prevalance
How does it happen?
A person abusing technology may engage in behaviors like:
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Laws
| No single law covers all aspects of tech-facilitated abuse, and many behaviors may be difficult to capture in a statute. However, a variety of laws such a stalking, harassment, computer crimes – or even identity theft – may apply depending on the specific situation and jurisdiction. Visit our map of state laws to learn more. |
What To Do
| If you or someone you know is struggling with technology-facilitated abuse, you are not alone. Explore curated resources for survivors below, or visit the Safety Net Project at the National Network to End Domestic Violence to learn more. |
Resources
Need immediate help with tech-facilitated abuse? Explore curated resources below and see more our resource library.
Safety guides for survivors of intimate partner-violence for securing online accounts.
Software for reviewing mobile safety when separating from a partner and detecting potential spyware.
A starting place for obtaining a safer mobile device.
A comprehensive manual for advocates addressing cyber abuse created by the New York Cyber Abuse Task Force