Abusers often misuse technology as a way to control, monitor, and harass victims. You might have a hunch that technology has been misused because the abuser just “knows too much” about what you are doing on your computer or phone or shows up wherever you go. This section addresses all forms of abuse using technology as well as how you can use the laws and courts to protect yourself.
Abuse Using Technology
- Ways Abusers Misuse Technology
- Abuse Involving Cyber-surveillance/Connected Devices
- Abuse Involving Texts, Photos, and Videos (non-consensual image sharing/"revenge porn")
- Abuse Involving Sexting
- Abuse Involving Nude/Sexual Images (photos/videos)
- How can an abuser use images to harass and harm me?
- What is nonconsensual image sharing (often referred to as “revenge porn” or nonconsensual pornography)?
- How can I find websites where my image is posted online?
- If someone shares my sexual or personal images, is that a crime? What is the crime commonly called?
- Can I request a restraining order if the abuser has posted an intimate image of me online?
- How can I get my images removed if the abuser posted them online?
- If I send a sexually explicit or intimate image to someone, can that person send it to others?
- Is it a crime for someone to take or record private or intimate video or images of me without my knowledge or consent?
- How can I prevent the abuser from posting my images on Facebook or Instagram?
- Where can I get help if I am the victim of abuse involving sexual or personal images?
- Cyberstalking and Online Harassment
- What is cyberstalking?
- What is online harassment?
- How does online harassment differ from online stalking (cyberstalking)?
- What are some specific ways that an abuser can harass me online? What laws can protect me?
- Can I get a restraining order based on cyberstalking or online harassment?
- Where can I get additional information?
- Recording
- Spoofing
- Electronic Surveillance (“spying”)
- Impersonation
- GPS Monitoring
- Computer Crimes
- Responding to Technology Misuse: Civil and Criminal Options
- Evidence Issues in Cases Involving Technology
- Ways Courts Use Technology