Anti-violence measures include checking phones for hidden software

People who fear they are being cyber-stalked by a controlling partner would be able to scan their mobile devices for hidden software under a trial to ensure the safety of victims of domestic violence.

People who fear they are being cyber-stalked by a controlling partner would be able to scan their mobile devices for hidden software under a trial to ensure the safety of victims of domestic violence.

It is one of several measures being funded by a $10 million commitment by federal, state and territory governments.

Another project aims to reduce alcohol-related family violence using a bracelet which can measure the blood alcohol content of the wearer. It would send text messages urging them to monitor their behaviour while under the influence.

The national eSafety Commissioner has been charged with developing a tool which could sweep a person’s mobile devices or surroundings to establish whether their technology has been compromised by malicious software or covertly-installed hardware.

The project will explore how such technology could be used by victims and frontline workers who help them.

Legal experts and safety services have long-warned that the incidence of technology-based abuse is on the rise.

The Legal Services Commission has previously said at least 80 per cent of domestic violence matters it deals with involve the use of technology to stalk or harass.

NSW is trialling the alcohol-monitoring bracelet.

Tasmania and NSW will also be funded to begin monitoring domestic violence offenders via GPS, while Queensland will undertake a GPS scoping study.

South Australia began trialling GPS monitoring of family violence offenders in 2017. The three-year trial by the Corrections Department involves 90 offenders released from prison who wear ankle bracelets which set exclusion zones and send warnings if they approach their victims.

The $945,000 project cost is split between the state and federal governments.

Federal Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer

Federal Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer said other projects covered by the $10 million funding package include:

$800,000 for an app called YourCase to help family violence victims track, and manage court proceedings online.

$660,000 to produce AppBooks to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders to recognise and call out technology-facilitated abuse.

$240,000 to study the ways children unintentionally disclose their identity to perpetrators of tech abuse, and how to reduce their risk.

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