Technology-facilitated abuse

For students and staff

Technology-facilitated abuse refers to all forms of abusive behaviour that occurs online or via technology. It might be committed by a stranger, but more often it’s committed by someone you know, such as a current or ex intimate partner, acquaintance or family member.

Technology-facilitated abuse includes:

  • cyberbullying: messages and posts that mock, insult or threaten someone
  • cyberstalking: repeated unwanted messages or posts, as well as monitoring or tracking someone’s activities via technology
  • image-based abuse: taking, sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent
  • sextortion: threats to share intimate images or videos unless you give into their demands – the demands may be for money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, gaming credits, nude images, or sexual content
  • trolling: posting provocative (and often hateful) messages or comments online
  • catfishing: using a fake identity or pretending to be someone else online, usually to scam someone
  • hacking: accessing someone’s accounts without consent
  • impersonation: pretending to be someone online, including creating fake social media accounts
  • receiving unwanted nude images or unsolicited requests to send intimate images
  • monitoring, tracking or controlling someone’s access to technology or online activities.

For more information, please see the technology-facilitated abuse page on the eSafety Commissioner website.

Many behaviours that constitute technology-facilitated abuse are serious crimes, and can put your safety at risk. If you believe that you, or someone you know, may be experiencing technology-facilitated abuse, we encourage you to make a report online to the Safer Community Unit. You can also directly report image-based abuse to the eSafety Commissioner.

What to do

If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call:

  • Monash Security on 03 9905 3333 or 333 from a Monash phone (for immediate help on campus)
  • 000 (for immediate help on or off campus).

Getting support

The Safer Community Unit can give you confidential advice on how to deal with technology-facilitated abuse, including safety measures, support services and formal reporting options.

Contact the Safer Community Unit.

For more information, see getting help and support.

More help and advice