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The alarming surge in domestic abuse facilitated by wearable technology like smartwatches and rings has prompted urgent warnings from Refuge, a leading charity in the field. Recent statistics reveal that referrals to Refuge’s technology-facilitated abuse and economic empowerment team skyrocketed by 62% in 2025, reaching 829 cases compared to 512 in the previous year. This troubling trend underscores the necessity for increased safeguards in the technology sector to protect vulnerable individuals from being stalked, surveilled, and controlled.
The New Face of Domestic Abuse
Emma Pickering, head of Refuge’s tech abuse team, emphasised the growing accessibility of wearable technology, which has become an integral part of daily life. “Wearable technology is cheaper to purchase than ever before,” she remarked. “It’s integrated into all of our lives and we can’t really avoid it even if we want to.” While many users appreciate the health benefits these devices provide, abusers are exploiting the same tools to exert control over their victims, often from miles away.
The reports Refuge receives highlight that the majority of tech-facilitated abuse incidents involve health-related devices. However, cases also include the misuse of smart home technologies, such as locks and heating systems, as well as fertility trackers. Pickering explained that perpetrators have quickly adapted to the capabilities of these innovations, allowing them to manipulate their victims without needing to be physically present.
The Younger Generation at Risk
Notably, 24% of the tech-related referrals to Refuge come from individuals under 30. Pickering suggested that younger people, often seen as more adept with technology, may inadvertently become more vulnerable due to their reliance on digital devices. “Older people can do without technology in a way that a younger person just can’t,” she said, highlighting the generational divide in tech usage.
As technology firms continue to innovate, there is an urgent need for them to consider the potential for abuse. Pickering pointed out, “As things progress, we have to remember that the data it collects is going to have to sit somewhere. We have to think—who can access it? Can someone hack into it? Can someone manipulate it, and what are we doing to think of that in an intimate partner abuse context?”
Survivor Stories Illuminate the Issue
One particularly harrowing account comes from a survivor named Mina, who recounted her experience of being stalked through data linked to her smartwatch. “I felt suddenly exposed and unsafe, knowing that my location was being tracked without my consent,” she shared. The invasive nature of the technology created a constant state of paranoia for her, impacting her ability to relax or feel secure. Her abuser even used the data to confront her with her exact location, leaving Mina feeling trapped and monitored.
In addition to smartwatches, there have been disturbing reports of women being filmed without their consent using smart glasses. Experts highlight that this behaviour poses multiple risks, including the potential for deepfake exploitation and the erosion of personal privacy in public spaces.
Government Response and Future Directions
A government spokesperson acknowledged the critical importance of addressing violence against women and girls, particularly when it is enabled by technology. “Tackling violence against women and girls in all its forms, including when it takes place online or is facilitated by technology, is a top priority for this government,” they stated. The new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy aims to deploy comprehensive measures to combat this issue, both online and offline.
Why it Matters
The rise of technology-facilitated abuse reveals a disturbing intersection between innovation and personal safety. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, the responsibility falls on both tech companies and society to ensure that these advancements do not come at the expense of vulnerable individuals. The testimonies of survivors like Mina serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for protective measures, comprehensive education, and robust legislation to safeguard against the misuse of technology in domestic abuse contexts. Without immediate action, the potential for harm will only continue to grow, leaving countless individuals at risk.
