Abuse with phones and GPS during travel a focus of new family violence study
While digital devices like smartphones and GPS can help people plan and navigate their holidays, a new study aims to shed light on a darker reality: how these tools are being used to monitor and harass victim-survivors while they are away.
With technology abuse increasingly seen in family violence, Federation Professor Elisa Zentveld said little is known about the impact of harassment by technology on victims when they are away from support networks and home security protections, and their routines are disrupted.
At the same time, increased reliance on location-tracking devices and apps while on holiday can make movements more visible and easier to track in real time.
Victim-survivors and practitioners are being invited to take part in the study by completing anonymous surveys to better understand experiences, impacts and gaps in responses during holidays and travel.
Professor Zentveld said perpetrators are known to track individuals with mobile phones or GPS, monitor their online activity, control access to digital accounts and use smart devices and apps to harass or intimidate.
“Experts know that technology-facilitated abuse is a major issue in everyday life, but we have a massive blind spot when it comes to travel. When routines change, and access to local support systems is cut off, victim-survivors can become even more vulnerable,” she said.
“Technology has created new ways for perpetrators to maintain control, even when someone has physically left a relationship.”
Professor Zentveld said Christmas, Easter and other holiday periods are already linked to increased incidents of family violence, making it even harder for victim-survivors to access support services and safe environments.
“Holidays can mean being in unfamiliar locations, different types of accommodation or situations where usual safety mechanisms aren’t available. That can increase risk, particularly when technology is being used to monitor or control.”
The study is also looking at the challenges victim-survivors face in disconnecting from shared digital systems.
“Things like shared accounts, devices, financial systems or apps can make it incredibly difficult for people to fully separate,” Professor Zentveld said.
“To respond effectively, we need a better understanding of how these risks play out during travel and mobility.
“This is an emerging area that sits at the intersection of family violence, technology and mobility. By deepening our understanding of what happens when people are away from their usual environments, this study could inform more robust protections, guide targeted policy responses and empower practitioners to better support victim-survivors in vulnerable situations.”
The anonymous surveys can be completed here:
Victim-survivors: https://tinyurl.com/FVsurvivor
Practitioners: https://tinyurl.com/FVpractitioner
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, support is available. Contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800respect.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.