Technology can be a lifeline — a way to stay connected, informed, and supported. But for many people experiencing domestic abuse, it can also be used as a tool to monitor, isolate, or control.
Some forms of tech abuse are visible and obvious; others are hidden deep within devices, apps, and settings, making them hard to detect and even harder to face alone.
Whether you are here because you are experiencing tech abuse, or because you are worried about a friend or loved one, this resource is here to support you. The SDAP Tech Abuse Handbook, co-developed by the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership (SDAP) and Royal Holloway University of London, offers practical, straightforward steps to help you understand what may be happening and to rebuild a sense of safety online. It cannot cover every scenario, but it can help you take meaningful steps toward protection and empowerment.
If at any point the information feels overwhelming, you do not have to manage it alone. You might choose to ask a trusted, tech-savvy friend to go through the steps with you, at a pace that feels comfortable and safe.
Everyone deserves to feel secure, online and offline, and we hope this guide can be a small step toward that safety and confidence.
