This year, the theme for the 16 Days of Activism to end Gender-Based Violence is ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’. The 16 days runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on the 25th November, to Human Rights Day on the 10th December. 

Throughout the 16 Days, we’re sharing information and insights around our work and digital violence. Today, we’re sharing a case study from our work, as told by a member of our Armed Forces Helpline team.

The AP had set up secret cameras throughout the house so while he was away on ship, he could log in and check on the client’s movements, listen to conversations and monitor visitors. Upon ending the relationship the client found that AP had downloaded spy ware to all her devices so he could track her movements, read her emails and use information to continually harass and stalk her. The videos he had collated from the home during his deployment was used as blackmail against the client to not leave the relationship otherwise he would expose the footage to social media. 

AP was removed from the military home. The devices had a full analysis/sweep which was then used by the police as evidence. The client had to check Alexa settings as there was suspicion that the AP was hacking in and listening. 

The impact on the client was significant. From having to buy new devices, change her email out of fear of AP being able to hack into her information and extract details of police reports and support that she was receiving. 

This went on for months whilst the client was waiting to move into a new home. 

Despite bail conditions being put in place, AP would work within these boundaries but regularly ‘push’ them within the law to try to ‘bump’ into the client, desperately trying to seek out her new car registration and follow her to her new home address.

Despite bail conditions the AP continued to try to access the client’s movements by following the daughter’s Instagram account under multiple false names, looking for venues that the daughter had posted pictures from.

We were able to support the client with disclosing information to the police, liaising with the investigating officer and ensuring all risk assessments, safety plans and support were put into place including regularly reviewing these and sharing with other relevant agencies. We were also able to work in conjunction with the armed forces to ensure AP was being monitored by his unit.

We supported the client with moving to a new home with all safety and security measures put into place and made necessary referrals for supporting the children involved.

The case went for a stalking 4 charge. Case is ongoing within the CPS.


If you are being subjected to intimate image abuse, help is available.

The Cyber Helpline is a free, confidential helpline for anyone who has been a victim of cybercrime. They help individuals contain, recover, and learn from cyber attacks by linking them with cyber security experts who provide relevant advice and guidance. Their chatbot and team of volunteer cyber security experts will talk in a language that you understand and are able to advise you in all cyber security scenarios.

The Revenge Porn Helpline provides information and help one on getting online images removed.

#16days #NoExcuse and #ACTtoEndViolence