Delivered by Welsh Women’s Aid
As technology continues to evolve, so do the ways in which abuse, coercion and harm can be perpetrated. This thought-provoking session will explore the growing issue of technology-facilitated abuse and its implications for safeguarding practice. Moving beyond the concept of "online harm" as a standalone issue, the session will examine how digital platforms, social media, artificial intelligence, image-based abuse, tracking technologies and other digital tools can be used to facilitate and perpetrate forms of abuse that practitioners are already familiar with, including domestic abuse, stalking, coercive control, sexual violence and harassment.
Drawing on current research, practice and survivor experiences, delegates will be encouraged to consider how technology-facilitated abuse intersects with wider safeguarding concerns and why it should be recognised as a core component of safeguarding responses rather than a separate issue. The session will explore emerging risks associated with AI and digital technologies, barriers to identification and reporting, and the importance of ensuring that victims are recognised, listened to and appropriately supported. Delegates will leave with a greater understanding of the prevalence and impact of technology-facilitated abuse, improved awareness of safeguarding responses, and increased confidence in recognising concerns and signposting individuals to appropriate support.
Target Audience
This session is suitable for a multi-agency audience and will be of particular interest to:
· Safeguarding Leads and Designated Safeguarding Persons
· Teachers, education staff and school governors
· Social workers and family support practitioners
· Health professionals
· Police officers and criminal justice practitioners
· Domestic abuse and violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV) professionals
· Housing providers
· Youth workers and community-based practitioners
· Third sector organisations
· Managers, commissioners and policymakers
The session will be relevant to anyone with a role in safeguarding children, young people and adults, supporting a whole-system understanding of technology-facilitated abuse and the responsibilities of all agencies in recognising, responding to and preventing harm.
