Tech-Facilitated Abuse
Tech-Facilitated Abuse
Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) is the use of technology to coerce or harm a romantic or intimate partner. It often occurs in the context of domestic, relationship, or intimate partner violence.
Prevalance
1 in 7
people who experienced technology-facilitated abuse were also physically harmed by the same abuser.
41%
of millennials report having been a victim of an ex-partner’s digitally-fueled abuse.
81%
of young victims of online dating abuse also experienced in-person dating abuse.
How does it happen?
| An abusive (ex-) partner can use technology to control, stalk, harass, or intimidate their partner. This can include behaviors like constantly texting their victim, tracking someone through their phone or social media, stealing passwords and hacking into accounts, or using smart devices to monitor or frighten them. |
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.
Review principles and mechanisms for documenting tech-facilitated abuse, to apply to the constantly changing technology environment.