For victims of domestic violence, technology is a double-edged sword

With tracking devices implemented in devices all around us — including the phones we carry with us — there's no shortage of opportunity for an abuser to stalk their victim. — Computer vector created by vectorjuice - www.freepik.com

Twenty years ago, when victims of domestic violence chose to leave their abusers, they would change their phone number. At least temporarily, that would protect them from a barrage of controlling calls and threatening messages.

Today, the process of cutting off contact with one's abuser is more complicated: if a victim changes their phone number, their abuser may still have access to them via their email address, Instagram or Facebook accounts. If a victim blocks their abuser's number, the abuser can turn to apps that allow them to disguise their calls behind another number, or even another voice.