A new episode of the Silence Broken: The IPV Talks podcast is shining a light on how everyday technology can be weaponized in abusive relationships.
Emma Kinsman of Lanark County Interval House says tools meant to simplify life — from smartphones to smart homes — can also enable surveillance, harassment and control.
Experts warn phone tracking, shared email access and spyware can allow abusers to follow victims even after separation. Social media posts can also reveal patterns, locations or personal details unintentionally.
Kinsman says financial apps pose another serious risk because money is often used as a tool of coercion.
Smart home devices, webcams and monitoring systems can also be manipulated to watch or intimidate victims inside their own homes.
The podcast urges people to review privacy settings, limit personal information online and seek support if they suspect technology-facilitated abuse.
The full episode is available below as part of the ongoing Silence Broken series on intimate partner violence awareness.