Victim-Survivors Should Action Strategies to Stay Safe on the Internet

Media Release – Engender Equality, 5 February 2026

Victim-Survivors Should Action Strategies to Stay Safe on the Internet

As we approach Safer Internet Day on 10 February 2026, Tasmanian family violence service Engender Equality is urging women in coercive or violent relationships to take steps to stay safe on the internet.

Engender Equality CEO, Alina Thomas said, “For people experiencing controlling or violent behaviour from a partner or former partner, learning the options that will make you safer online will limit the perpetrators access to your life on the internet.”

“Online stalking is a way to exert power and control by creating fear and confusion and often involves alienating the victim-survivor from friends and family, she said.

“Behaviours can include ‘bugging’ someone’s computer, phone or other device with ‘spyware’ to track computer use without you knowing, hacking social media pages and accessing phones,” Ms Thomas said.

Fortunately, there are many safety tools for browsing the internet, emailing, and using a phone. Here are some websites that may help:

• E-safety Commissioner
• Technology safety and domestic and family… | Full Stop Australia

Strategies such as using a ‘safe’ computer through a friend or the public library, never using your real name, getting a second phone, clearing browser history, keeping passwords memorised rather than written down, and changing phone and computer settings to private, can help.

Legal help with online stalking and other forms of technological abuse is also available. Always keep evidence of online abuse in case an intervention order is needed and forward the unwanted emails to police or a case worker.