A consultant used a high-tech tracking programme to monitor his wife, a court has heard. The case highlights the growing issue of technology-facilitated domestic abuse, which has surged during the UK's Covid lockdown.
Domestic-violence charity Refuge reports that over 70% of those it supports have experienced tech-related abuse. Smart speakers, tracking apps, and key-logging software are among the tools used by perpetrators to maintain control.
One victim, using the pseudonym Kate, described how her partner used a Ring doorbell camera to track her. 'I could take the battery out, but he would say I'm compromising our children's safety,' she said. Another victim, Sue, recounted how her partner used Amazon's Alexa to 'drop in' on her remotely via an intercom-like feature.
Men have also been affected, with the Respect Men's Advice Line receiving 5,000 more calls during the early lockdown than the previous year. However, women remain the majority of victims, accounting for three-quarters of police-recorded cases.
Dr Leonie Tanzer of University College London notes that perpetrators, often male, control smart devices by purchasing and maintaining them. This gives them power over both the environment and device settings.
A landmark domestic abuse bill, covering England and Wales, aims to criminalise the use of technology to track or spy on partners. It includes a statutory definition recognising coercive behaviour involving smart tech and grants police extra powers. The bill is expected to receive Royal Assent soon.
