This blog post, covering digital abuse, is part of a series of posts written by specialist support staff from the University of Bath’s Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Response Service (SVDARS), as part of the UN's yearly 16 Days of Activism Campaign working to end gender-based violence.
What is digital abuse
Digital abuse refers to the use of technology, digital, and online tools to control, harass, and abuse others. This type of behaviour may remain online, or it may escalate and extend beyond the digital world into real world danger and violence. The types of behaviours commonly seen in digital abuse are:
- Cyberbullying, and sexual harassment (including sexual requests and persistent harassing messages and demanding instant replies)
- Image-based sexual abuse (this includes sharing, or threatening to share, intimate images without someone’s consent, often called ‘revenge porn’ or ‘leaked nudes’)
- Creating or sharing AI-generated intimate images or ‘deepfakes’ of someone without their permission (this is now a crime under the Online Safety Act 2023)
- Doxxing (publishing someone’s private information, such as their address, online)
- Online sexual exploitation and grooming (manipulating someone over a period of time to pressure and control them)
- Online stalking and controlling behaviour (such as monitoring and controlling someone’s online behaviour, tracking their location, demanding passwords)
- Catfishing or impersonating someone else online
More information on types of digital abuse can be found at Internet Matters, the NSPCC, and the Digital Poverty Alliance.
These behaviours may be carried out by a stranger online, an acquaintance, a close friend, or a partner. Regardless of the relationship you have, this type of behaviour is #NeverOK. As UN Women put it in their article on digital abuse, ‘No one should have to live in fear just for existing online. The digital world should be a safe space for everyone.’
Why it’s hard to spot
In many cases, it can be difficult to spot these behaviours and recognise them as abuse.
Online trends and discussions change very quickly, and it can be hard to judge language use and intention when you can’t see someone’s face or body language. In certain online spaces or group chats, it may be normalised to use language which may in other spaces be seen as inappropriate.
Sometimes abuse can happen over several years and seem like a friendship, but with harm steadily escalating over time. When used in a romantic relationship, controlling or surveillance behaviour may often be excused as ways of showing love or for protection. However, harassment, controlling, stalking, manipulation or threats are all damaging examples of coercive control which could feed into a broader picture of domestic abuse. It is important to remember that all of these boundary-crossing behaviours are harmful and can severely impact someone’s sense of safety.
What is the impact of digital abuse
Digital abuse can have serious and long-lasting effects on someone’s sense of safety and wellbeing. People experiencing any of the behaviours mentioned above might feel trapped in their relationship and like they have nowhere to turn to for help. It can make people feel isolated and distanced from friends and family. When so much of our lives are now mediated and posted online, it can feel like there is nowhere to go to escape the presence of the person causing harm.
While behaviour that happens online might feel easier to dismiss or downplay, research has found that the social and psychological impact of digital abuse can be the same as experiencing real world violence. Additionally, a 2023 UN Women report found that experiencing digital abuse puts people at higher risk of experiencing physical, sexual, and emotional violence. When combined with other forms of discrimination, such as racism, ableism, sexism, homophobia, or transphobia, the impact may be compounded and even harder to recover from.
What support is available if you have experienced digital abuse
If you have experienced any of the above behaviours or feel that what you are experiencing online is controlling, manipulative, intimidating, or hostile, it is important to remember that you are not alone and support is available. Experiencing digital abuse is not ‘normal’ or ‘less harmful’ than IRL abuse. Whether you’re a student or member of staff, everyone deserves to live free from abuse, regardless of how it has happened.
If you are a student, the Student Support team at the University of Bath can help. You can speak to our Student Support Advisers at the Roper Centre, 4 West or by completing this form. They may refer you to the Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Response Service (SVDARS), who provide specialist support and advice on reporting if you have experienced sexual harassment or violence through digital technology or another Student Support team, depending on your needs.
Students and staff can also report an incident, and access support and advice, through the University’s Support and Report tool.
If you are a staff member, you can get further support by contacting your HR Advisor. Health Assured also provides staff members with free, confidential counselling and wellbeing advice.
Other specialist services available across the UK are:
Keep Children Safe Online: Information, advice, support - Internet Matters
Revenge Porn Helpline - 0345 6000 459 | Revenge Porn Helpline
Homepage - UK Safer Internet Centre
Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline
More information about digital abuse and technology-facilitated sexual abuse:
16 days of Activism yearly theme
Technology-facilitated Gender-based Violence: A Growing Threat | United Nations Population Fund
Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence: A Literature Review of Empirical Research
Tech-facilitated abuse: Guide for parents | Internet Matters
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