Although intimate partner abuse takes many forms, power and control are at the root of the violence—and abusers are using technology more than ever before. 

Technology meant to improve general safety, like “find my phone” and family-locator functions, is being used to monitor survivors before, during, and after fleeing abuse.  Spyware and stalkerware are available from mobile app stores.  

Portable GPS tracking devices seem to get smaller every year and keep battery power for more than a year. Hidden in a car seat pocket or lining of a purse, these devices can be nearly impossible to find. 

Internet of Things  

The ever-growing Internet of Things, often abbreviated IoT, presents added safety concerns for survivors. IoT devices include things like these: 

• Doorbell cameras 
• Voice-activated help devices (Alexa, for example) 
• Smart locks  
• Smart thermostats 
• Smart TVs 
• Smartwatches 

This New York Times article shares stories of survivors who suffered increased abuse through technology during the pandemic. The stories include abusers controlling smart devices while not even in the home.  

Thermostats set to 100 degrees, the heat being turned off during bitter winter months, and music blaring through smart speakers for hours are common tactics. Hotline advocates also report increased use of smart locks to control when a victim could leave home. 

Even five years ago, staying offline could be helpful for survivors while trying to flee the abuser.  

“But the solution simply cannot be for survivors to disengage,” says Corbin Street, NNEDV Technology Safety Specialist. “Survivors have a right to use technology, to participate in life both online and off, and to live a life free of harassment, abuse, and stalking.”  

Recent Kentucky legislation could help. 

The unlawful use of tracking devices on motor vehicles will become a Class A misdemeanor effective June 30.  

A person could be found guilty if they’ve installed or arranged for installation of a tracking device in or on a motor vehicle or have tracked the location of a vehicle with a tracking device, without the knowledge and consent of the owner or lessee of the vehicle.  

Darlene Thomas, our executive director, recently spoke with WKYT News about the law’s specific inclusion of intimate partner abuse. The use of tracking devices by a restrained party under a protective order to track the location of a motor vehicle operated or occupied by an individual who is protected by the order is against the law. 

More Resources 

The NNEDV Tech Safety App is a collection of information and resources for survivors who suspect abuse through technology. Information is organized by device and type of abuse, including harassment, impersonation, and location tracking.