By Nicholas R Ward

ABC Goldfields

Topic: Domestic Violence

A women's refuge says technology is being used in an abusive way.

In short:

Charities say they are dealing with a complex reality as technology enables new forms of abuse.

Goldfields Women's Refuge checks victims' cars and digital devices for tracking tools.

What's next?

Advocacy groups hope raising awareness will lead to social and governmental change.

A West Australian school teacher realized something was wrong when her ex-partner turned up at places she went.

She was afraid for her life and drove to the police station after six or seven weird encounters.

Her ex-partner would call her and have more knowledge about her movements.

Akita Princi says her ex-partner tracked and harassed her for months.

It took her six months to completely scrub her digital footprint.

Even if you remove things and change passwords, someone skilled can still try to track you.

Technology abuse is used more often

Ms Princi is one of many women subjected to technology-facilitated abuse.

Goldfields Women's Refuge says it's becoming more problematic in the Kalgoorlie region.

Suzie Williams believes people do not understand how common this type of abuse has become.

The refuge has revamped how it brings new people into the shelter due to surveillance technology.

If you or someone you know needs help, call:

The technology built to make our lives easier is being used in an abusive way.

You can buy a surveillance app that copies all your text and phone calls.

The refuge's main concern is GPS location tracking and message monitoring.

Abusers have used robot vacuum cleaners, cars, and lighting to harass victims.

The problem gets worse as abusers support each other online.

Women who are concerned they might be being tracked should seek help as early as possible.

If you feel at risk, reach out to a specialist family domestic violence service.

Women's services are adapting their responses as abuse becomes more high-tech.

While new technologies can feel overwhelming, tools to fight this abuse are also improving.

We have strategies that use tech to facilitate a woman's safety.

Ms Williams cautioned against using AI tools to assess safety.

AI can give you a false sense of security or a false sense of risk.

The Goldfields refuge has special Faraday cages that block tracking.

Ms Williams believes society needs to do better to address these issues.

Life after abuse

Ms Princi said the mental scars from her experience will stay with her.

She has become an ambassador for the charity Safe Phone.

Getting a new phone could help save lives, Ms Princi said.

Those who receive a new phone feel safer and supported.

Promotion

Family and domestic violence support:

Practice Listening