Digital violence is a growing form of abuse that affects people across all areas of society and the Armed Forces community is not exempt. At Aurora New Dawn, our Armed Forces team has seen how technology can add another layer to coercive control and abuse, often in ways that are uniquely shaped by military life.
Deployments can create opportunities for perpetrators to misuse technology. When a perpetrator remains at home, devices left behind or shared accounts can be accessed remotely. Whether they remain at home or are the person deployed, perpetrators may use this deployment as an excuse to demand passwords, claiming they simply want to “keep an eye” on emails or household matters. This can be a tactic of surveillance and control.
Many roles within the Armed Forces require high levels of digital literacy and technical expertise. While this knowledge is vital to the job, we’ve seen instances where perpetrators use it to manipulate, monitor, or intimidate their partners. By boasting about their technical skills, perpetrators can instil fear, making victims feel that their privacy can never be protected.
Digital devices like camera doorbells and home cameras can offer reassurance and safety particularly when a partner is deployed. However, we’ve also seen these tools weaponised. Perpetrators may use home surveillance systems to monitor when someone leaves the house, who visits, or to question their movements. What should be a security measure becomes another form of control.
Digital abuse can be relentless. Constant monitoring, control, online harassment, and the misuse of technology creates a state of ongoing fear. Victims often feel they must remain compliant to avoid escalation. This type of coercive control blurs the line between the physical and digital worlds, making it harder for victims to feel safe, even in their own homes.
At Aurora New Dawn, we understand the unique pressures faced by Armed Forces families. Our team is here to provide confidential, independent, specialist support for anyone experiencing domestic or digital abuse.
If you or someone you know is affected by digital violence, please reach out. You are not alone and support is available.
#16days #NoExcuse and #ACTtoEndViolence
