REACH recently received a grant through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), ‘Connected & Online’ program, allowing public access to computers for survivors of domestic violence. While conversations surrounding domestic violence have begun to broaden over the years, the impact that technology can have on survivors often goes unrealized; both the risk as well as the potential avenues for increasing safety.
For many survivors working with REACH, access to a safe and reliable device can be a challenge. While the cost of a device may itself be prohibitive for many, that’s only part of the story. For survivors, ensuring that the device is safe presents a unique obstacle.
Many survivors experience what we call technology abuse- a form of abuse that focuses on gaining and maintaining power and control by using technology. Survivors may experience an abusive partner accessing their email, social media, financial accounts, or other online accounts, even after they’ve changed their passwords and login information.
"MBI is proud to support REACH through the Connected and Online program to expand digital opportunity and make it easier to find a job, see a doctor, or pursue an education,” said MBI Program Executive Jody Jones. “Closing the digital divide means ensuring people are able to use technology safely and with confidence. For survivors, a secure laptop opens the door to housing, benefits, healthcare, and community at a moment when those connections matter most."
While technology abuse itself is not new, only a few years ago an abuser would have needed advanced coding skills or access to unique software programs to successfully breach a laptop’s defenses. With the rise of AI, location tracking, and other advances in technology, what once was a niche survivor experience is now a daily reality.
REACH recently worked with a survivor whose abusive partner had advanced technical knowledge and access. Despite changing passwords, creating new email accounts, and taking steps to protect her information, she continued to experience unauthorized access to her accounts.
Because the survivor believed her personal phone and laptop were being monitored, she was unable to consistently communicate with her advocate, search for safer housing, or participate in online support groups where she could connect with others experiencing similar situations. For this survivor, a safe laptop doesn’t just help her connect. A safe laptop is a lifeline.
Access to a safe device enables survivors to work alongside advocates so they can safely search for housing, apply for benefits, communicate with service providers, attend telehealth appointments, and participate in virtual support groups and educational workshops.
The case mentioned above shines a light on the impact safe devices can provide in the most extreme situations. But it’s only part of the conversation. Because continued use, even on a new and safe device, can still lead to risk. That’s where digital safety planning becomes vital.
A “safety plan” is exactly what it sounds like – an individualized plan focused on reducing the potential risk of a situation. Our advocates create safety plans with survivors every day, both via REACH’s 24-hour hotline and during in-person meetings. Digital safety planning is an important component of any safety plan, considering the risk and harm reduction strategy options for survivors in their unique situation.
The Safety Net Project, a program founded by the National Network to End Domestic Violence, has a series of toolkits available on their webpage designed for agencies, survivors, teens, and more. Our advocates utilize these toolkits in their daily conversations, and we encourage survivors to use them as well so they can plan for their own safety, whether or not they work with an organization like REACH.
Want to learn more? Support is available:
If you or someone you know has questions about a relationship, is experiencing abuse, or needs support, call REACH Beyond Domestic Violence’s free and confidential 24/7 hotline at 1-800-899-4000.
To learn more about REACH’s survivor services, prevention programs, and community work, visit www.reachma.org.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 when it is safe to do so.
About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI)
The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), works to connect people, communities and organizations to quality, high-speed internet. To achieve this, MBI administers funding to expand and upgrade broadband infrastructure and tackle barriers to internet adoption so that every Massachusetts resident can fully participate in today’s economy and the modern world.
