Tristan, an expert in disconnecting Wi-Fi feeds for women who are being monitored or stalked by their perpetrators, recently had an encounter where he had to activate a duress alarm on his watch after a perpetrator showed up at a job. This isn’t an uncommon scenario, as Tristan encounters these situations about once a month. With the rise of Wi-Fi camera systems and doorbells, perpetrators are able to monitor Tristan’s whereabouts and disrupt his work quickly. This has become a concerning trend in recent times as more women are being targeted and living in constant fear.
Steve Wilson, who has worked with thousands of women over 12 years in helping them stay safe from stalking and monitoring, is alarmed by the increasing cases of violence against women. The tragic case of Celeste Manno, who was stabbed to death by a man who had stalked her intensively, highlights the urgency of addressing this issue. Wilson believes that current strategies and policies are inadequate in protecting women from potential harm and is hopeful that initiatives like the newly announced task force on violence against women in Victoria will lead to stronger responses.
One potential solution proposed by Assistant Commissioner Lauren Callaway is the creation of a register of offenders to help women identify if men pose a threat to them. With the number of charges for contravening family violence intervention orders on the rise, it’s evident that more needs to be done to keep women safe. Wilson suggests that the focus should shift towards preventing perpetrators from accessing their victims by enforcing stronger bail laws, intervention orders, and providing police with better training on stalking behaviors.
The use of technology by family violence perpetrators has become a major concern, as they are now able to weaponize everyday devices and software for malicious purposes. Dr. Chelsea Tobin, CEO of Safe Steps, mentions how spy companies are incorporating more tech into smaller items like USB ports, battery packs, and digital clocks to facilitate surveillance. This transformation in tech use by perpetrators poses a significant challenge in the fight against domestic violence, and co-operation between the tech industry and the domestic violence sector is crucial in implementing effective safety measures for women.
To protect themselves from potential surveillance, it’s recommended that individuals limit the use of shared accounts, change passwords, and dispose of any devices set up or registered by the perpetrator. By being mindful of their online presence, adjusting privacy settings, and using safe technologies, victims can reduce the risk of being tracked and monitored. Tobin and Wilson emphasize the importance of empowering victims by raising awareness of surveillance techniques used by perpetrators and providing them with the resources to combat such threats.
Overall, the rising cases of violence against women due to stalking and surveillance tactics by perpetrators highlight the urgent need for stronger safety measures and interventions. By addressing issues like the misuse of technology, enforcing stricter laws, and providing adequate training to law enforcement agencies, steps can be taken to protect women from harm. The collaboration between different sectors, such as the tech industry and the domestic violence sector, is essential in developing effective strategies to combat this pervasive issue and ensure the safety and well-being of women in the community.
