When convenience becomes control: understanding technology-facilitated abuse in smart homes

Yet, in the wrong hands, the same technology can become a tool for control, used to extend and reinforce patterns of sexual violence.

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What is technology-facilitated sexual abuse?

Technology-facilitated sexual abuse involves the misuse of digital tools, apps, platforms, or devices to cause sexual harm and exert power and control. It can include monitoring, intimidation, or harassment, and often intertwines with other forms of abuse such as financial, psychological, or physical violence.

In recognition of the serious harm posed by technology-facilitated abuse, the UK now classifies it as a national threat¹, and the government has committed to halving violence against women and girls within the next decade².

How can smart home devices be misused?

Smart home devices collect data, track activity, and allow remote control to function, but these same features can be misused in ways that undermine a survivor’s safety and autonomy, including:

• Watching or recording someone without consent.
• Restricting or interfering with a person’s access to and from the home.
• Manipulating the home environment, including altering settings unexpectedly.
• Tracking or monitoring a person’s daily routines.
• Listening in on private conversations.
• Extending monitoring through children’s devices.
  
  

These actions reflect the same patterns of power and control that underpin sexual violence, creating an environment where home may no longer feel private or safe.

Safety steps you can take

Before looking into what might be happening, it’s important to have a safety plan in place. Some steps, like changing settings or passwords, may alert a perpetrator and escalate their behaviour. You can create a safety plan with a trusted friend, support worker, or specialist helpline.

When it feels safe to do so, the following steps may help you to regain privacy and control:

1. Understand what’s connected
Make a list of the smart home devices in your home and how they link together. Knowing what data each device collects and who has access can help you to spot anything unusual.

2. Document what you notice
If something feels wrong, note the activity and when it happened. Only document what’s safe to record. This can help to identify patterns or support legal action if you choose to pursue it later.

3. Strengthen security
When it’s safe:

• Change passwords on devices, apps, and Wi-Fi.
• Turn off GPS, Bluetooth, and location services unless essential.
• Review privacy and security settings.

4. Use a safe (‘clean’) device
For contacting support or planning next steps, use a device that the perpetrator cannot access, such as a trusted friend’s phone, a library computer, or a new email account.

5. Check children’s devices and accounts
Children’s accounts are sometimes used for indirect surveillance. Include them in safety conversations and review any linked apps or permissions.

You deserve to feel safe online, offline, and at home

The misuse of smart home devices can make home feel unsafe, but you’re not alone. Support is available when you’re ready.

SARSAS is here to listen, believe, and support. If you or someone you know is experiencing technology-facilitated sexual abuse, SARSAS offers free and confidential support. You can also reach out to a specialist service for support:

• If it’s safe, contact Refuge’s 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 for support with safety planning and device concerns.

• Visit Refuge’s Home Tech Tool for guidance on securing smart home devices.

• Visit The Cyber Helpline for support if you think someone may be listening, watching, or tracking you without permission.

There’s #NoExcuse for online abuse.

The SARSAS helpline services offer confidential and anonymous support across Avon and Somerset for anyone who has experienced any kind of sexual violence or abuse at any time in their life.

This blog was written by Emily Johnstone, a doctoral researcher at the University of Bath exploring how smart home devices can be used to facilitate abuse.

Emily will be joining our online workshop on Online and Tech-Facilitated Sexual Abuse on Wednesday 3rd December. It’s not too late to sign up and build your knowledge on this rapidly emerging form of abuse.