According to Refuge, a domestic abuse charity, there has been a significant rise in the use of AI, smartwatches, and other digital technologies to attack and control women. This disturbing trend has led to record numbers of women seeking help from the charity's specialist services.
The charity reports a 62% increase in complex cases, totaling 829 women, and a 24% increase in referrals of under-30s during the last three months of 2025. These numbers highlight the growing concern of technology being used as a tool for domestic abuse.
Why this matters now is that the increasing use of AI and digital tech in domestic abuse cases poses a significant challenge for law enforcement, policymakers, and charities. It requires a coordinated effort to address the issue and provide support to victims.
Digital Abuse Mechanisms
The use of smartwatches, Oura rings, smart home devices, and Fitbits to monitor and control victims is a worrying development. This highlights the need for technology companies to take responsibility for the potential misuse of their products.
Economists and policymakers must work together to create effective strategies to prevent the exploitation of technology in domestic abuse cases. This may involve collaborating with economists to understand the economic implications of domestic abuse and develop policies to support victims.
Social Implications
What remains unclear is how to balance the benefits of technology with the need to prevent its misuse in domestic abuse cases. This requires a nuanced approach that takes into account the complex social dynamics involved.
The increasing use of technology in domestic abuse cases also has significant implications for policymakers, who must develop effective laws and regulations to address the issue.
Future Outlook
What should readers watch next is how technology companies and policymakers respond to the growing concern of digital abuse. This may involve the development of new technologies and policies to prevent the misuse of digital tech in domestic abuse cases.
In the next few sessions, key risks include the potential for further exploitation of technology in domestic abuse cases, as well as the challenges of developing effective strategies to prevent it.
The Bottom Line
- Domestic abusers are increasingly using AI and digital tech to attack and control their victims, posing a significant challenge for law enforcement and charities.
- The use of technology in domestic abuse cases requires a coordinated effort to address the issue and provide support to victims.
- Technology companies, policymakers, and economists must work together to develop effective strategies to prevent the exploitation of technology in domestic abuse cases.
