How abusers are using phones to control their partners

How are some people using technology as a means to control their partners?

Charities have warned that coercive control through technology is on the rise. 

A woman from north Cumbria has anonymously spoken to ITV News about her experience, explaining how she first thought it was "sweet" and "loving" that her former partner wanted to know where she was all the time.

However, she soon realised something much more sinister was happening...

ITV Border reporter, Katie Templeton-Knight tells Lucy Watson what you need to know.

--

Domestic Abuse Advice and Support:

Refuge:

Refuge supports more than 6,000 clients on any one day, helping them rebuild their lives and overcome many different forms of violence and abuse.They have a step-by-step guide online as well as an interactive tool about how to secure your phone if you suspect technology-facilitated abuse is happening to you.

• If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing domestic abuse, you can call The National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

The Revenge Porn Helpline:

The Revenge Porn Helpline supports all adult victims of intimate image abuse living in the UK. This includes those who have had private sexual images shared without consent, threatened to be shared without consent, or taken without consent. We also provide advice and information to those targeted by sextortion and webcam blackmail.

• If you have been a victim of intimate image abuse, a helpline practitioner can give you advice and support. The number is 0345 6000 459.
• Or you can send an email or online live chat.

Women’s Aid:

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. They have been at the forefront of shaping and coordinating responses to domestic violence and abuse through practice for more than 45 years.

• You can send an email to a Women’s Aid domestic abuse support worker.
• Or you can use their online live chat.

The Freedom Project:

The Freedom Project is a free domestic abuse charity based in West Cumbria, working with victims, perpetrators and children suffering from trauma and effects of domestic and sexual abuse.

• You can contact the helpline by phone: [phone].
• Or you can send a form on their website.

ManKind:
The Mankind Initiative is the principal, expert and specialist charity in the UK focussing on male victims of domestic abuse.The charity collaborates and works in close partnership with other organisations and practitioners to support these victims too. It was the first in Great Britain to support male victims.

• You can call ManKind on 01823 334 244 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)