From unwanted messages and threats, to monitoring apps, fake accounts, sharing images without consent, or misusing smart devices, abuse carried out through technology is causing fear, distress, and harm across Merseyside.
Technology plays a part in all our lives, helping us stay connected, manage our homes, and communicate with the people we care about. But for many women, the same technology is being used to threaten, monitor, control, and harm. This is tech‑enabled abuse, a form of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and it is a crime.
Tech‑enabled abuse can include:
- Constant unwanted messages
- Threats made through social media
- Sharing intimate images without consent
- Tracking someone’s location
- Controlling smart home devices
- Accessing personal accounts without permission
These behaviours cause real fear, distress, and harm, and no one should have to endure them.
Through this work, partners across Merseyside want to shine a light on this often hidden form of abuse, helping women recognise the red flags of tech-enabled abuse and when digital behaviour crosses a line, and ensuring they know that support is available. By raising awareness, challenging harmful behaviour, and empowering women with practical tools and information, we can make online and offline spaces safer for everyone.
As part of this campaign, we have also worked with brave victim‑survivor Sophie Parrish to produce a powerful video sharing her experience of deepfake abuse, helping to highlight this growing trend and its devastating impact on women and girls.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:
“Tech‑enabled abuse is one of the fastest‑growing forms of violence against women and girls, with devastating real‑life consequences.
“Deepfake abuse, online monitoring, threats and image‑based harm are not ‘online issues’ — they are acts of abuse that can be frightening, deeply violating and can have a profound impact on women and girls’ safety, wellbeing and daily life.
“Through our Taking Action campaign, we are shining a light on these behaviours, raising awareness of the red flags and making it clear that this abuse will not be tolerated in Merseyside.
“I also want to recognise Sophie’s remarkable bravery in sharing her experience of deepfake abuse. Speaking openly about something so personal takes enormous courage, and her voice helps others to understand just how serious and harmful these behaviours can be.
“My commitment to tackling Violence against Women and Girls is unwavering, and together with Merseyside Police and our partners we are working to prevent harm, protect those at risk, and take robust action against anyone who uses technology to abuse or exploit others.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Lamb, Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said:
"We are seeing more offenders use technology to intimidate, monitor or control victims, and the impact of this abuse is every bit as serious as harm caused in person.
Tech‑enabled abuse can leave victims feeling watched in their own homes, fearful about using their devices, and unsure who to turn to. Our officers are committed to responding robustly to these crimes, protecting those at risk, and holding perpetrators to account."