How internet-connected devices can affect victims of gender-based violence and abuse

Researchers of the University Colleage of London launched a guide and a resource list for frontline workers and support services working with victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. The guide aims to help support services talk about abuse carried out using ‘smart’, internet-connected devices (also known as the Internet of Things, or IoT). It also explains common ways in which IoT devices work, in case abuse of this kind is suspected.

The research team developed the material following interviews and focus group discussions with both voluntary and statutory support services. Their analysis revealed how support organisations were to this point unaware of IoT as a new form of technology-facilitated abuse.

Learn more about the project and its results.