By Rachel Hall
Publication Date: 2026-01-30 07:00:00
Domestic abusers are increasingly using AI, smartwatches and other technologies to attack and control their victims, according to a domestic violence charity.
In the last three months of 2025, a record number of women abused and controlled by technology were referred to Refuge’s specialist services, including a 62% increase in the most complex cases to a total of 829 women. There was also a 24% increase in referrals from those under 30.
Recent cases have included perpetrators using wearable technology such as smartwatches, Oura rings and Fitbits to track and stalk women, disrupting their lives through smart home devices that control lights and heating, and using AI spoofing apps to impersonate humans.
Emma Pickering, head of the tech-assisted abuse team at Refuge, said: “We see again and again what happens when devices come onto the market without careful consideration of how they could harm women and girls. Currently, it is far too easy for perpetrators to obtain smart accessories and use them as weapons…
