October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the many forms of abuse that impact individuals and families. While domestic violence is often associated with physical harm, it’s important to recognize that in today’s digital world, abuse can also take place online. Technology can be used to control, intimidate, and manipulate, leaving victims feeling trapped and vulnerable in ways that extend beyond physical spaces.
Here are four ways domestic violence can manifest through digital platforms, and how to take preventative measures:
1. Cyberstalking
Abusers may track their victim’s online activities, monitor social media posts, and even use GPS tracking to control their whereabouts. This invasion of privacy can cause extreme distress and anxiety.
Preventative Measure: Be mindful of what you share online, adjust privacy settings, and regularly change passwords to protect your digital footprint. Consider disabling location
services on apps.
2. Digital Harassment and Threats
Abusers often send threatening or harassing messages through social media, text, or email, using these platforms to instill fear. This harassment can escalate into public shaming or cyberbullying, creating a hostile environment for the victim.
Preventative Measure: Block or mute the abuser on all platforms, and report any threatening behavior to the platform’s safety team. Save any evidence of
harassment in case it is needed for legal
action.
3. Image-Based Sexual Abuse
Sharing intimate photos or videos without consent, often referred to as “revenge porn,” is another way abusers seek to humiliate or control their victims. This violation can have devastating emotional consequences.
Preventative Measure: Avoid sharing intimate content digitally, even in relationships where trust is assumed. If this happens, report it to the platform and seek legal support immediately.
4. Financial Control through Online Access
Abusers may take control of their victim’s online banking, restrict access to funds, or make unauthorized purchases, leaving the victim financially dependent and powerless.
Preventative Measure: Use strong, unique passwords for financial accounts, and consider setting up alerts for any suspicious activity. Keep separate, secure accounts whenever possible.
What You Can Do
If you or someone you know is experiencing digital forms of domestic violence, it’s important to take action. Block the abuser, secure accounts, and seek help from trusted friends, family, or professional services. At The Turning Point, we provide support and resources to help survivors of all forms of sexual violence, including those that occur in digital spaces.
Together, we can raise awareness and take steps to prevent the spread of domestic violence in the digital age.
If you need help, our 24/7 sexual assault hotline is available for confidential support at 800.886.7273.
Other Local Domestic Violence Resources
Hope’s Door New Beginning Center (Plano): 972.276.0057
Texas Muslim Women's Foundation (Plano): 972.880.4192
Mosaic Family Services (Dallas): 214.823.4434
The Family Place (Dallas): 214.941.1991
Domestic Violence National Hotline: 1.800.799.7233