 Domestic abusers are using technology such as home security systems against their victims, MPs have warned. They reported a 'surge in the use of devices such as smart home security systems, baby monitors, cameras and smart speakers to monitor, harass, coerce and control victims of domestic abuse'. The Culture, Media and Sport Committee said the devices are being used to 'broaden and exacerbate patterns of abuse and the reach of perpetrators' who 'no longer need to be physically present to inflict abuse'. It has now called on the government to commit to tackling what has been dubbed 'tech abuse'. Chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage called the rise in this type of domestic abuse 'truly chilling'. The committee cited data from domestic abuse charity Refuge, which found 59% of the women and children it supported in 2020-2021 had experienced abuse involving technology. They don't believe the UK's law enforcement and criminal justice system is equipped to deal with 'tech abuse', which they said is likely to become 'even more prevalent in future'. Recommendations to take it on include 'upskilling' workers in these sectors and 'increasing law enforcement's and victims' and survivors' awareness of specialist services tackling violence against women and girls'. Abusers are using smart home security systems to 'monitor, harass, coerce and control victims' (Picture: Getty) Chairwoman Dame Caroline Dinenage said the rise in this kind of abuse is 'chilling' (Picture: Rex) They also called on the government to 'reflect on how official crime data on tech abuse can be improved to expand the evidence base for specialists, academics and policymakers in order to develop a more comprehensive, co-ordinated response'. The committee wants the Office for Product Safety and Standards to form a 'tech abuse working group' to bring researchers, specialist support services and public services together.){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Domestic abusers are using technology such as home security systems against their victims, MPs have warned.
They reported a ‘surge in the use of devices such as smart home security systems, baby monitors, cameras and smart speakers to monitor, harass, coerce and control victims of domestic abuse’.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee said the devices are being used to ‘broaden and exacerbate patterns of abuse and the reach of perpetrators’ who ‘no longer need to be physically present to inflict abuse’.
It has now called on the government to commit to tackling what has been dubbed ‘tech abuse’.