1.3 Explain signs that may be associated with: • female genital mutilation • forced marriage • honour-based abuse

This guide will help you answer 1.3 Explain signs that may be associated with: • female genital mutilation • forced marriage • honour-based abuse.

Digital domestic abuse involves the use of technology to monitor, control, threaten or humiliate another person within an intimate or family relationship. It is a form of coercive control carried out through phones, social media, email, or other online platforms. The abuse often happens alongside other types of abuse such as emotional, financial or physical abuse. Recognising the actions and behaviours linked to digital domestic abuse helps to protect individuals and respond safely.

Controlling Access to Technology

A common sign of digital domestic abuse is when one person tries to limit or control another’s access to devices or the internet. This restricts independence and isolates the person from friends, family and support networks.

Examples include:

• Taking away or damaging a partner’s phone, laptop or tablet
• Limiting internet access or changing Wi-Fi passwords without consent
• Monitoring how long someone spends online or who they talk to
• Demanding passwords for all devices and accounts
• Refusing to allow private communication with others

These behaviours create fear and dependency. The person being controlled may start to withdraw from others or lose confidence in using technology.

Monitoring and Surveillance

Some abusers use technology to spy on their partner’s activity. This behaviour is a major warning sign of digital domestic abuse. It can involve direct monitoring or hidden surveillance tools.

Examples include:

• Installing tracking apps or spyware on phones
• Checking browser history, emails, or social media messages
• Using GPS to monitor location through phone or car systems
• Using smart devices such as cameras or doorbells to track movement
• Demanding constant video calls to prove where the person is

This type of monitoring removes privacy and creates a sense of constant fear. It also limits the person’s freedom to move or communicate safely.

Controlling Social Media Use

Social media gives abusers another way to control or embarrass their partners. They may use it to monitor communication, post harmful messages, or pretend to be the victim online.

Warning signs include:

• Demanding access to social media accounts or login details
• Insisting posts or photos be removed or changed
• Sending controlling or abusive messages through direct messages or public posts
• Tagging the victim in humiliating content or fake posts
• Creating false accounts to stalk or contact the person

The victim may start deleting posts, changing accounts frequently, or withdrawing from social media to avoid conflict.

Online Harassment and Threats

Abusers may use digital communication to threaten or intimidate their partner. This can occur through text, email, or social platforms. The intention is to create fear and control the victim’s actions.

Examples include:

• Sending threatening or abusive messages
• Sharing private photos or videos without consent (known as revenge porn)
• Threatening to post private information online
• Bombarding the person with calls or messages
• Creating multiple fake accounts to contact or harass the victim

Even if the threats are not carried out, the repeated harassment can cause distress, anxiety and loss of confidence.

Financial Control Through Digital Means

Financial abuse often extends into the digital world. Abusers may use technology to control access to money or track spending. This can make the victim dependent and unable to leave the relationship.

Common behaviours include:

• Accessing online banking without permission
• Controlling bank passwords or blocking access
• Using mobile banking alerts to monitor transactions
• Making online purchases using the victim’s accounts
• Demanding screenshots of account balances or spending history

Financial control prevents independence and is often linked to other abusive behaviour.

Manipulation and Emotional Control

Some abusers use digital communication to manipulate emotions and maintain dominance. This behaviour may appear subtle but can be just as harmful as physical abuse.

Signs include:

• Constantly messaging or calling to “check in” under the pretence of care
• Ignoring or withholding messages to punish or control
• Using guilt, shame, or emotional blackmail through messages
• Sending excessive “love bombing” texts followed by abuse or withdrawal
• Using digital communication to start arguments or control mood

These patterns create confusion and emotional instability. Victims may feel trapped or constantly anxious about their phone activity.

Image-Based Abuse

This involves sharing or threatening to share intimate images or videos without consent. It can be used to shame, humiliate or blackmail the victim.

Signs of image-based abuse include:

• Taking intimate photos or videos without consent
• Pressuring the person to send explicit content
• Threatening to share private images if the person leaves or refuses demands
• Posting or sending private images to others
• Using hidden cameras in private areas

Image-based abuse is illegal under the UK’s Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019. It can cause long-term psychological harm and damage reputations.

Tracking and Location Sharing

Many phones and apps include features for sharing locations. Abusers exploit these tools to track a victim’s movements and limit their independence.

Signs may include:

• Being asked to share real-time location at all times
• Having tracking software secretly installed
• Feeling watched when leaving the house or visiting certain places
• Receiving messages that prove the abuser knows where they are

Tracking can appear harmless at first, such as “checking safety,” but it becomes abuse when used to control or intimidate.

Online Identity Misuse

Abusers may take over or create online profiles to impersonate their partner. This can cause reputational harm or emotional distress.

Examples include:

• Creating fake profiles using the victim’s name or photos
• Sending messages pretending to be the victim
• Posting false information to damage their reputation
• Using stolen identities to contact others on the victim’s behalf
• Accessing private accounts to change passwords or delete data

This behaviour isolates the victim and undermines their credibility with friends, employers, or services.

Isolation Through Technology

Abusers may use digital tools to isolate the victim from support networks. By cutting off contact, they gain more control over daily life.

Examples include:

• Blocking contacts on the victim’s phone or social media
• Deleting important messages or contact details
• Intercepting emails or calls from friends or professionals
• Preventing participation in online meetings or support groups
• Using guilt or threats to stop communication with others

Isolation makes it harder for the victim to seek help or report abuse. Over time, they may feel completely dependent on the abuser.

Gaslighting Through Digital Communication

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where the abuser makes the victim doubt their memory, perception, or judgement. Digital tools make it easier to carry out this tactic.

Examples include:

• Deleting messages or changing facts to deny what was said
• Editing screenshots or messages to distort the truth
• Claiming messages were never sent or received
• Sending contradictory or confusing messages to cause doubt
• Using fake accounts to create false situations or evidence

This behaviour undermines the victim’s confidence and sense of reality, making it harder for them to recognise abuse or seek support.

Technology-Facilitated Stalking

Stalking behaviour can include constant unwanted contact or digital intrusion. It often continues even after the relationship has ended.

Common examples are:

• Repeatedly messaging or emailing the victim
• Commenting on every post or photo
• Sending unwanted gifts or online payments
• Using multiple accounts to stay in contact
• Showing up at locations the victim has mentioned online

Stalking through technology is recognised under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. It is an offence that can lead to arrest and conviction.

Exploiting Smart Technology

Modern homes often use smart devices such as cameras, thermostats, or voice assistants. Abusers can misuse these systems to monitor or intimidate their partner.

Examples include:

• Using smart home cameras to watch or listen in
• Changing heating, lights or alarms remotely to scare the person
• Locking or unlocking doors without permission
• Using digital assistants to record private conversations

This behaviour extends abuse into the home environment and can make the victim feel unsafe even in private spaces.

Impact of Digital Domestic Abuse

The effects of digital domestic abuse can be severe and long lasting. Victims may experience fear, anxiety, sleep problems, and loss of confidence. They may stop using technology altogether, which limits access to work, education, and social contact.

Digital abuse can also affect children in the household. They may witness controlling messages or see their parent become frightened when a notification appears. This exposure can lead to emotional harm and fear of technology.

The abuse can damage careers if the abuser contacts employers or posts harmful material online. Financial stress, social isolation and emotional trauma often follow.

Responding to Signs of Digital Domestic Abuse

Workers in health and social care should recognise and respond to signs of digital domestic abuse with sensitivity and professionalism. The aim is to protect the person and support them to regain control.

Key steps include:

• Listening carefully and believing the person’s account
• Avoiding judgement or blame
• Recording details accurately and confidentially
• Following safeguarding and domestic abuse policies
• Referring to specialist organisations such as Refuge, Women’s Aid, or Respect
• Encouraging safe use of technology and helping to review privacy settings

Workers should never try to remove devices or confront the abuser directly. Safety planning with professionals is the safest way to respond.

Legal and Policy Framework

Several UK laws cover digital domestic abuse:

• Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises controlling or coercive behaviour through digital means as abuse
• Protection from Harassment Act 1997 covers stalking and online harassment
• Malicious Communications Act 1988 makes it illegal to send threatening or abusive messages
• Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019 and Online Safety Act 2023 cover the sharing of intimate images without consent

Organisations should have clear safeguarding and digital security policies to protect both workers and service users.

Supporting Victims to Stay Safe Online

Encouraging safe digital habits can help reduce risk. Some practical steps include:

• Changing passwords and using two-factor authentication
• Checking devices for tracking apps or unusual settings
• Turning off location sharing unless needed
• Keeping personal information private on social media
• Using secure messaging apps with encryption
• Keeping evidence of abusive messages for possible legal action

Support workers can help the victim connect with online safety experts or domestic abuse hotlines for further advice.

Final Thoughts

Digital domestic abuse is a growing concern across health and social care settings. It extends traditional abuse into online spaces, making it harder to detect and more invasive. Recognising the signs early can make a significant difference in protecting someone’s wellbeing and safety.

As a care or support worker, your awareness and response play a key role in safeguarding individuals. Listening, recording concerns, and following safeguarding procedures can break the cycle of control. By promoting digital safety and respectful communication, you help people regain confidence and independence in their lives.