Somerset Council is joining partners across the county and beyond to mark this year’s 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence, shining a light on digital domestic abuse – a growing form of coercive control where technology is used to monitor, threaten, exploit or isolate victims.
The campaign calls for collective action to prevent abuse, protect those at risk, and support recovery for those affected.
Running from 25 November (International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Woman) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), the international campaign urges communities to come together to end all forms of violence against women and girls. Across Somerset, events, drop-ins, and awareness activities will highlight how abuse can happen online and through digital means, often hidden behind screens but leaving very real scars and significant harm.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Executive Member for Communities at Somerset Council, said:
Technology should be a force for connection, not control. Sadly, we’re seeing a rise in cases where digital tools are being used to harass, track, or intimidate partners and ex-partners. This year’s campaign is about shining a light on this hidden form of abuse and ensuring that people know where to find help.
Digital domestic abuse can include:
- Tracking someone’s location through apps or devices
- Monitoring messages, emails, or social media accounts
- Sending abusive or threatening messages
- Sharing or threatening to share private images
- Using smart home devices or online accounts to exert control
We all have a part to play in ending domestic abuse – online and offline. By talking about digital abuse and recognising the warning signs, we can help ensure that no one in Somerset feels isolated or controlled by technology.
Somerset Council, through its commissioned Somerset Domestic Abuse Service, facilitated by the YOU Trust and partners, provides confidential, specialist support to anyone affected by domestic abuse – including digital abuse.
Support available:
- Call: 0800 69 49 999 (8am–8pm, 7 days a week including bank holidays)
- Visit Somerset Domestic Abuse (including live chat)
- Email: domesticabuseservice@somerset.gov.uk
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55 when prompted — this will connect you to the police through the Silent Solution system.
For those who are D/deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired, register with emergencySMS.net to text 999 in an emergency. If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can contact 999 BSL for BSL support.
Somerset Council will also support White Ribbon Day on 25 November, encouraging men and boys to take the pledge to never use, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women and girls.
We all have a part to play in ending domestic abuse – online and offline. By talking about digital abuse and recognising the warning signs, we can help ensure that no one in Somerset feels isolated or controlled by technology.
