**
As technology rapidly evolves, women’s safety is increasingly compromised, with domestic abusers exploiting AI and smart devices to exert control and inflict harm, warns a leading domestic abuse charity. The latest statistics reveal a troubling rise in the number of women facing tech-facilitated abuse, highlighting the urgent need for tech developers to prioritise safety in their designs.
Alarming Rise in Tech-Facilitated Abuse
Recent data from Refuge indicates a significant spike in the number of women reporting abuse through digital means. In the final quarter of 2025, referrals to their specialist services increased by 62%, with complex cases involving 829 women. Notably, there was also a 24% rise in cases involving individuals under 30 years old.
The charity reports that abusers are using an array of smart technologies, including smartwatches, Oura rings, and Fitbits, to stalk and control their victims. Additionally, perpetrators are manipulating smart home devices to disrupt victims’ lives, controlling essentials like lighting and heating. Even AI spoofing applications are being weaponised to impersonate victims, showcasing a disturbing trend in the misuse of technology.
Survivors Share Their Experiences
Emma Pickering, head of the tech-facilitated abuse team at Refuge, emphasised the dire consequences of allowing technology to be released without adequate safety considerations. She stated, “Time and again, we see what happens when devices go to market without proper consideration of how they might be used to harm women and girls. It is currently far too easy for perpetrators to access and weaponise smart accessories.”
One survivor, identified as Mina, shared her harrowing experience of fleeing her abuser, only to have her smartwatch used as a tracking device against her. “It was deeply shocking and frightening. I felt suddenly exposed and unsafe, knowing that my location was being tracked without my consent,” she recounted. Mina’s ordeal continued even after police intervention, as her abuser managed to locate her through tracking technology linked to her smartwatch.
Mina described the emotional turmoil she faced, stating, “Overall, the experience left me feeling unsafe, unheard, and responsible for managing a situation that was completely out of my control.” Her testimony underscores the urgent need for comprehensive understanding and response mechanisms around tech abuse.
The Role of AI in Manipulation
Pickering also highlighted the increasing use of AI tools by abusers to manipulate their victims. For instance, they may alter videos of survivors to portray them in a negative light, undermining their credibility in the eyes of authorities. “We’ll see more and more of that as these videos and applications advance,” she warned.
Furthermore, the potential misuse of medical technology, such as diabetes trackers to control insulin levels, raises alarms about the possible fatal consequences of such abuse. The call for regulatory measures and accountability from the tech industry has never been more urgent.
Calls to Action
Refuge has urged the government to take decisive action against digital technology-enabled crimes, including enhanced funding for the development of digital investigation teams. Pickering lamented, “They want short-term wins, they don’t want to think about longer-term investment in this area, but if we don’t do that we’ll never get ahead.”
She also critiqued current regulations, stating, “Ofcom and the Online Safety Act don’t go far enough.” The message is clear: the safety of women must be a foundational element in the design and function of technology.
A government spokesperson reaffirmed their commitment to tackling violence against women and girls in all its forms, acknowledging the need for robust measures to address online and technology-facilitated abuse.
Why it Matters
The rise of tech-facilitated abuse represents a significant concern, as it not only highlights the vulnerabilities of women in an increasingly digital world but also underscores the responsibility of technology developers to ensure their products do not become tools for harm. As society continues to embrace innovation, it is crucial to place women’s safety at the forefront of technological advancement, ensuring that their rights and wellbeing are safeguarded in every new development.
