Artificial intelligence (AI) is creating new risks for survivors of domestic abuse. Recent research shows that generative AI tools are being misused to escalate technology‑facilitated abuse, including deepfakes, impersonation, sextortion, automated harassment and data‑driven stalking. These harms are growing quickly and disproportionately affect women and girls (UN Women)
Technology‑facilitated domestic abuse (TFDA) is now recognised as a significant safeguarding concern. Perpetrators are increasingly using everyday devices such as smartphones, apps and smart home systems to monitor, track and control survivors. Research also shows that these behaviours align with established patterns of coercive control and can create a constant feeling of being watched, sometimes called the omnipresence effect (British Journal of Social Work | Trauma, Violence, & Abuse 2023).
Common perpetrator tactics include:
Misuse of spyware, compromised accounts and location tracking.
Impersonation through AI generated messages, voice clones or deepfakes.
Continuous automated harassment created by AI chatbots.
Manipulation of images to threaten or extort survivors.
Warning signs for practitioners may include: unexplained online activity, unusual device behaviour, unexpected changes in smart home systems, or distress linked to unfamiliar images or videos.
What professionals can do:
Ask about digital experiences in every assessment.
Consider whether devices may be compromised before giving online safety advice.
Review access to smart home devices and encourage safer digital habits, including strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
AI enabled abuse is growing, but awareness and early identification can significantly strengthen safeguarding responses. GDASS will continue to monitor developments and support professionals to respond confidently to these emerging risks.
GDASS Service Update: Bank Holiday Closure
Please note that GDASS will be closed over the upcoming bank holiday weekend. Our service will reopen on the next working day.
During this period, please ensure that individuals who need urgent support are directed to appropriate out‑of‑hours services:
In an emergency or where there is immediate risk, contact the police on 999.
For specialist domestic abuse support outside GDASS hours, professionals and survivors can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, available 24 hours a day: 0808 2000 247
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is free, confidential and can support with safety planning, emotional support and access to local services.
Thank you for helping ensure people can access the right support while GDASS services are closed.
Sector News
New UK Visa & Immigration Policy Changes Improve Protection for Migrant Survivors of Domestic Abuse
Recent Home Office changes remove barriers for dependent children applying for settlement after domestic abuse and introduce improved guidance to help UK Visa & Immigration staff identify the primary victim in cases involving counter‑allegations. This is a meaningful step forward in recognising coercive control within immigration processes. Read more here.
Domestic Abuse Is Driving a Mental Health Crisis, Says New BACP Analysis
A new article from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy highlights how domestic abuse remains a major contributor to complex trauma and long‑term mental health needs. The piece emphasises that current prevention‑focused policy does not adequately address the recovery needs of survivors, many of whom struggle to access trauma‑informed support. Read more from BACP here.
Parliament to Debate Treating Domestic Abuse‑Linked Suicides as Potential Homicides
The UK Parliament is set to debate a proposal requiring police to investigate suicides linked to domestic abuse as potential homicides. Campaigners argue the current system fails to identify patterns of coercive control that may contribute to suicides, and the amendment seeks to ensure perpetrators cannot evade accountability. Read more here.
Research and Resources
VAWG‑Coded: From AI to Weaponisation – EVAW Snapshot Report 2026
A newly published 2026 snapshot report outlines emerging trends in violence against women and girls, including the growing harms associated with artificial intelligence such as nudification apps, surveillance tools and AI‑driven inequalities. It also reviews government policy, funding, and legal developments relevant to the VAWG sector. Read the report here.
What Works to Reduce Violence Against Women and Girls: Summary of the Evidence (Updated February 2026)
This government evidence summary reviews more than 2,000 academic papers to identify which interventions are most effective in preventing VAWG and supporting victims. It highlights the strongest evidence base around domestic abuse interventions and identifies key gaps where further research is needed. Read more here.
Women’s Aid Annual Audit 2026
Published on 29 March 2026, this year’s audit provides a detailed national picture of domestic abuse service provision and demand in England across 2024–25. The report highlights persistent capacity issues, with only around 7% of women and children experiencing domestic abuse receiving refuge or CBS support, and nearly half of rejected refuge referrals due to lack of space. It also outlines ongoing shortfalls in bedspaces, gaps in specialist provision, and significant funding inequalities affecting Black and Minoritised women’s services. Read the audit here.
