This year, the global 16 Days of Activism campaign focuses on ending digital violence - a growing form of abuse that uses technology to control, threaten or harm others. At Honeycomb Group, we’re standing alongside survivors and partners like Glow, our domestic abuse specialist charity, to raise awareness and support anyone affected.
What is digital abuse? 💻📱
Digital abuse (sometimes called tech abuse or online abuse) happens when someone uses technology to harass, stalk, monitor, or control their partner or ex-partner. It can happen on phones, social media, email, smart home devices and more.
Examples of digital abuse include:
- Constant messaging or calling to check where you are and who you’re with
- Tracking your location using apps or shared devices without consent
- Monitoring your phone or social media - demanding passwords or reading messages
- Sharing or threatening to share private images
- Using smart home tech (like doorbells or thermostats) to watch or control you
- Online stalking or harassment after a relationship ends
How to recognise the signs 🔎
If you notice that technology is being used to control or intimidate you, or you feel like your privacy and independence are being taken away, these can all be signs of abuse. It may start subtly - like checking your phone ‘for your safety’ - and build over time.
What you can do 🤚🏼
You don’t have to face it alone. If you’re worried about digital abuse, there are safe, confidential ways to get help.
- Contact Glow: Our in-house domestic abuse specialists can help you understand what’s happening, keep you safe online, and plan your next steps - click here to get in touch with Glow.
- Stay safe online:
- Avoid sharing your location on social media.
- Check app permissions and disable location sharing where possible.
- Change passwords and set up two-factor authentication on your accounts.
- Keep evidence of abusive messages safely.
- If you’re in danger, always call 999.
We’re here for you 🧡
If you - or a loved one - is experiencing any form of domestic abuse, Glow is here to help.
Our specialist teams have guided hundreds of individuals and families toward new chapters, including Natasha, who has shared her story.
Natasha's story 💬
After experiencing over a decade of abuse, Natasha is now using her lived experience to help other women rebuild their lives through Glow’s Recovery Hub in Stoke-on-Trent.
Natasha spent 11 years in an abusive relationship where her ex-partner controlled her friendships, career and even the way she spoke. “Nothing I did was ever right,” she recalls. “He would scream at me for being ‘bossy’ one minute and ‘indecisive’ the next. I was constantly walking on eggshells.”
The abuse escalated over time - from controlling behaviour to isolation and eventually physical violence. Leaving was one of the hardest decisions Natasha ever made, but it was also the first step towards freedom.
After finding specialist support, she rebuilt her life piece by piece. “When I left, I had nothing - no friends, no confidence, no sense of who I was. But I started therapy, reconnected with people who cared about me and began to heal.”
Natasha began volunteering at Glow’s Recovery Hub, which supports women as they move forward after abuse through group programmes, social activities and volunteering opportunities. Last year, she started a permanent role within the service.
“What Glow are doing would have been lifechanging for me when I left,” she says. “Now, I get to be part of something that helps others feel less alone. It’s about turning something painful into something positive.”
Natasha hopes her story inspires others to reach out for help. “Abuse can become normal so quickly. You survive because you have to. But you can recover - and there are people who will believe you and stand beside you.
“The scary thing about tech abuse is how accessible it is – you don’t even need to be in the same room as someone to cause them harm. It’s a growing problem, but there is support out there, and I feel proud that Glow are using the 16 days of activism to highlight their support.”
At Honeycomb Group, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe - online and offline. If you or someone you know is affected by digital abuse, we can help you take back control.
Click here to learn more about Glow, our domestic abuse specialist.
