New research from Vodafone has revealed how valuable mobile devices and apps are to women seeking support for safety and domestic abuse concerns, with 75% saying that they have considered using their smartphone to get out of a situation that felt unsafe. 

Vodafone’s study, commissioned to mark the UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence, found that more than half (55%) of people who have experienced abuse or an unsafe situation have reached out to others online to share their experience.

For those women who have experienced abuse or have been in unsafe situations, 88% who connected with others online to discuss their experiences said this was vital for their mental health.

The research, based on a survey of 2,000 UK respondents, shows that access to online support is vital for women in unsafe environments, with the majority (68%) of women reporting that looking up support online would be their first port of call.

Almost three-quarters of women (73%) think that websites and dedicated apps are helpful for those impacted by domestic abuse, with the main benefits perceived as 24/7 access to support (54%); the ability to report the issue privately and securely (31%); and the access to more tailored information (25%).  

However, fewer than one in three (29%) would consider using an app or website for help if they or someone they know was in an unsafe situation, despite 42% of women saying they would prefer to access support for abuse or safety issues online or on the phone, rather than in person.

“Mobile devices can be a lifeline for people experiencing abuse, helping them stay connected to emergency services, seek expert advice or confide in friends and family,” said Nicki Lyons, chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer, Vodafone UK.

“We have a long-standing commitment to providing support to those in need, including connecting more than 2.6 million people affected by domestic abuse to help and advise globally. We must continue to work hard to spot the signs of domestic abuse and help connect people to the support they need.”

While technology, like mobile devices and apps, can be valuable digital allies, there is also a risk that abusers can use technology to exert control over victims.

Domestic abuse charity Refuge has reported a 258% rise in the number of tech abuse cases recorded by the charity since 2018, however, over a quarter (27%) of those Vodafone surveyed were unaware that this kind of coercive behaviour can take place.

This form of domestic abuse occurs when a perpetrator uses technology as a weapon to facilitate abuse against their partner or ex-partner, and can involve the use of stalkerware, tracking, misusing AI, financial sabotage caused by economic abuse, creating and sharing ‘deepfakes’ or other forms of intimate image abuse.

Online abuse, such as stalking and harassment, or misusing Smart Home Tech devices to rack up expensive heating bills, turn lights on and off, or even lock doors, are all forms of tech abuse which have become more prevalent.

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In September, Refuge hosted the charity’s first ever Tech Safety Summit, a two-day event specifically created to address rising cases of complex technology-facilitated domestic abuse.

At the time of the announcement, Emma Pickering, head of technology-facilitated abuse and economic empowerment at Refuge said: “The critical threat of technology-facilitated abuse and online harm is one of the biggest issues facing those looking to tackle this crime of violence against women and girls.”

“When used correctly and as intended technology can make vast improvements to our lives, but in the hands of a perpetrator of abuse, it becomes another tool in their arsenal to misuse and weaponise against a victim/survivor – with devastating effects.”