In the media

Kylea Tink MP, the Independent Federal Member for North Sydney, has called for a national approach to tackling the escalating domestic and family violence issue of technology-facilitated abuse (TFA), which includes cyberstalking, threatening or abusive digital communication and the use of spyware and tracking devices.

Ms. Tink made the call as she launched a new report outlining the findings of a policy roundtable series involving 40 leading experts spanning frontline workers, victim-survivors, service providers, researchers, advocates, peak bodies, and public sector leaders in North Sydney. The report also outlines 12 recommendations which Ms. Tink is calling on governments to take on and implement to address and reduce technology-facilitated abuse.

The report’s release coincides with the festive season, which has traditionally seen a spike in domestic violence cases.

“The clear message I have heard from victim-survivors, service providers, researchers and first responders is that technology-facilitated abuse is widespread, rapidly growing, not well understood across the community, and overlooked by policymakers. We need to act now to stop this growing issue escalating further,” said Ms. Tink.

“Australia cannot tackle domestic and family violence if we do not tackle technology-facilitated abuse. Most people now presenting to a domestic violence service have some sort of surveillance technology attached to them. Some services say it is 100 per cent.”

“It’s time for all levels of government around the country to come together and develop a national approach to tackling technology-facilitated abuse.”

“While we won’t eliminate it overnight, a nationally coordinated, whole-of-society approach can help improve awareness and understanding, and ultimately reduce the prevalence of TFA. For example, education programs for police and the judiciary so our first responders and legal system are better equipped to identify and deal with TFA are crucial.”

“With tracking technology now widely available – and normalised through popular social media platforms, experts are also calling for more consistent state and federal laws as well as moves to restrict perpetrators’ access to technology, rather than put the onus on victim-survivors.”

“Both Labor and the Coalition are genuine when they say want to end violence against women and girls. Ahead of the 2025 election, I call on both parties to commit to developing and implementing a national, coordinated strategy to tackling TFA in the next term of Parliament,” said Ms. Tink.

According to the e-Safety Commissioner, four in five Australian women have experienced or are experiencing some form of technology-facilitated abuse. Meanwhile, research by WESNET reveals that 99.3% of individuals presenting to domestic violence shelters have experienced TFA, and a recent NSW Crime Commission report found that one in four people who purchased GPS tracking devices since 2023 have a history of domestic violence.

Ms. Tink’s report was informed by consultation with: ANROWS, Armenian Community Welfare Centre, Australian Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commission, Australian Federal Police, Chief Executive Women, DVNSW, eSafety Commission, Kolling Institute, Lifeline, Mary's House Services, Nansen Digital Forensic Services, NSW Health, NSW Women's Safety Commissioner, Office for Women (PM&C), the Office of the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Our Watch, Protective Services, STOP Campaign, Sydney Multicultural Community Services, The Northern Centre, University of Sydney Law School, UNSW Gendered Violence Research Network, WESNET, Women and Children First, Women's and Girl's Emergency Centre, and Women's Community Shelters.

ENDS