Why the program exists
Technology should make life easier, more connected and more independent. But for people experiencing violence, it can become another tool of control.
From surveillance and harassment to impersonation, doxxing, deepfakes and digital coercion, tech-facilitated abuse can follow someone everywhere – often continuing long after they have left a relationship.
Building Tech Safety strengthens sector capacity to prevent and respond to technology-facilitated abuse, equipping services with practical, trauma-informed approaches that help women, gender-diverse people and children experience greater safety, confidence and control in their use of technology.
Because reclaiming safety means reclaiming control over technology.
How the program works
Building Tech Safety is a pilot program designed to meet the rising challenges of tech-facilitated and digital abuse. Filling a critical gap in the sector, it strengthens the capacity of services and communities to recognise, prevent and respond to digital safety risks.
Who the program is for
- Frontline organisations and service providers who want to strengthen their understanding of technology-facilitated abuse and build digital safety into their existing practice
- Women, gender-diverse people and children who want to build their digital safety knowledge, navigate technology with greater confidence and access practical resources to support safer use of technology
- Community and sector partners looking to collaborate on prevention, education and stronger sector-wide responses to technology-facilitated abuse
If you are unsure where to start, we can help guide you to the right support.
Filling a critical gap
Tech-facilitated abuse is increasing, but specialist, trauma-informed support is still limited. Building Tech Safety exists to bridge that gap. Because responding to violence today means understanding how it shows up across both physical and digital environments.
In our work, we also see these risks show up in real life. That means our responses are practical, relevant, and grounded in lived experience. Supporting people to understand the signs of tech-facilitated abuse means they can better protect themselves and others with confidence.
Questions about Building Tech Safety
Tech-facilitated abuse is when technology is used to monitor, control, harass, or harm someone. It can include things like tracking someone’s location, accessing accounts without permission, online harassment, or controlling money through digital platforms.
It is often part of a broader pattern of domestic and family violence, and can continue even after someone has left a relationship.
There are small steps that can help you feel safer when using technology, but it is important to approach changes carefully. In some situations, making sudden updates to devices or accounts can increase risk if someone is monitoring your activity.
If you are concerned about your safety, the first step is to speak with a support worker or specialist service. They can help you understand your options and support you to take steps that are right for your situation.
Yes. Research shows that tech-facilitated abuse is growing rapidly.
As technology becomes more embedded in daily life, it also creates more opportunities for harm. This abuse is often hidden within everyday devices and platforms, making it harder to recognise and respond to.
That is why building awareness and practical support is so important.
Sources for further information:
Watch this space
The Building Tech Safety pilot continues to grow in response to the evolving nature of technology-facilitated abuse and the needs of the sector.
Thanks to generous philanthropic funding and your donations, we’re continuing to build the program’s reach, strengthen sector capability and develop practical resources to emerging digital safety risks.
As technology continues to change, so too will our approach. We’ll continue listening, learning and working alongside our partners to ensure services and communities are better equipped to respond to technology-facilitated abuse.
With your support, we can go even further to meet the growing demand.
What to do next
Want to get more informed on tech-facilitated abuse, or need support?
Make a referral
Connect women, children and families with practical digital safety audits.
Partner with us
Work with us to strengthen responses to tech-facilitated abuse across your organisation or community.
Learn more
Build your understanding of tech-facilitated abuse and what safer digital futures can look like in practice.
beyond violence.
