Technology impacts on domestic violence

South Australia's Legal Services Commission says technology is now playing a major role in domestic violence.

Modern technology, including phone and computer hacking and GPS tracking, now plays a role in up to 90 per cent of all domestic violence cases, legal chiefs say.

South Australia's Legal Services Commission says spyware and hidden tracking devices are being used by offenders to keep tabs on their victims, sometimes through social media accounts and other online activities.

Director Gabrielle Canny says the growing use of technology by offenders means lawyers must be tech-savvy to ensure their clients are being protected.

"Technological change is reshaping the world and that includes the legal profession," she said.

"We can't put our head in the sand and ignore the way digital developments are altering offending and the legal arena."

Some examples of tech-related abuse include the extended families of victims having their computers bugged, spyware being used to track emails and offenders hiding their identity by using online aliases.

Sites like Facebook can also be used by offenders to keep tabs on their victims along with smartphones and tablets which automatically record a person's location.

"Victims should consider who set up their smartphone and their social media accounts and who has access to their passwords," Ms Canny said.

"In some cases, victims are unaware that their email accounts can also be viewed by their abuser."

Some tips for victims include closing social media accounts, using public access computers such as those at libraries and checking the privacy settings on phones and tablets or putting them in flight mode at sensitive times.

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH CYBER STALKING IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:

* Close down Facebook and other social media accounts that can reveal details of your dealings or your location.

* Use a public access computer for emails and internet access, such as those in libraries. Use these particularly to find out information about domestic violence and support services or to find alternative accommodation.

* Check the privacy settings on mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops to ensure they are not revealing your location.

* Consider putting your smartphone in flight mode to avoid being detected.

* Ensure your phone has an access code and keep it secret.

* Turn off the phone's GPS and Bluetooth settings.


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3 min read

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Source: AAP


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