The eSafety Commissioner has launched an information pack designed to help frontline domestic and family violence workers across the world safely support women victims of technology-facilitated abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant said the resource provided strategies for dealing with technology-facilitated abuse, which is the use of technology to harass, stalk and threaten someone.
Ms Inman Grant said the resource contained information to help frontline workers recognise the signs of technology-facilitated abuse, and pass on practical advice to victims to help them stay safely connected with their usual support networks.
She said stay at home orders had forced some women to remain in one place with an abusive partner for an extended period of time, which could be frightening and dangerous.
“Women may become more isolated and limited in how they can get help because they are being directly monitored whilst their devices, email and social media accounts are compromised,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“We want women around the world to continue to feel safe, supported and protected when seeking help from frontline agencies during this pandemic so that they can use technology as a lifeline and a tool, rather than it being used against them for further harassment,” she said.
“This is precisely what this new resource is ultimately designed to achieve.”
The Commissioner said UN figures showed 243 million women and girls aged 15-49 had been subjected to sexual or physical violence by an intimate partner in the past 12 months and this number was likely increase as the pandemic continued.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator Marise Payne said frontline workers played a critical role in recognising the signs of abuse and providing support.
“Frontline workers — including social workers, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals — may be the only external contact a victim has during this COVID-19 pandemic,” Senator Payne said.
“This information pack is therefore an important tool for these workers to help women vulnerable to domestic violence to continue to use technology to keep these vital connections.”
The Commissioner’s new 10-page information pack can be accessed at this PS News link.
