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Researchers launch survey to investigate technology-facilitated abuse in UK and Australia

1 September 2020

Domestic violence sector workers in the UK and Australia are being asked to share their experiences of technology-facilitated abuse to further understanding of the emerging security and privacy risks of the Internet of Things.

GIoT

A team of researchers from UCL STEaPP, University of Queensland and QUT (Queensland University of Technology) are urging domestic violence sector workers in the UK and Australia to take part in a survey to assess the impact of Internet of Things (IoT) technology on survivors of domestic violence.

Led by Dr Leonie Tanzcer from the Gender and IoT research team in UCL STEaPP, in collaboration with Professor Heather Douglas, University of Queensland, and Dr Bridget Harris, QUT, the researchers hope to learn more about the evolving risks of IoT technology in the context of domestic and sexual violence and the transformations tech-facilitated abuse is currently undergoing. The team will compare how the UK and Australian support sectors are responding to this emerging phenomenon and the results will be used to provide an assessment of, and recommendations to improve, policy responses to the security and privacy risks of the IoT.

Participants will be asked to share their own, or their organisations, thoughts, insights and practices of working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence and to consider whether the emergence of technology-facilitated abuse is affecting the ways in which women use technology to find information, support and safety.

Technology-facilitated abuse is on the rise as ‘smart’ devices become more mainstream in the lives of both survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence. Technologies that connect to the internet and collect, send and receive data, such as door locks, fitness trackers, and TVs, have clear benefits but the privacy and security risks that emerge alongside their use can create unforeseen opportunities for perpetrators of abuse.

The survey should take 5 to 10 minutes to complete and questions include:

  • How frequently do you encounter tech-related abuses when working within the area of victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse?
  • Have you encountered IoT technologies (i.e., "smart", Internet-connected devices other than smartphones/apps, laptops and tablets) when working with victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse?

The team hope that the results of the survey will help reduce and prevent technology-facilitated violence and provide guidance for services that engage with and help victims. Additionally, the research could be used by IoT developers to have a better understanding of the potential misuses of their devices and services.

The survey can be completed online by any domestic violence sector workers located in either the UK or Australia. The survey will be open from 1 September and can be accessed through the below links:

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