Domestic violence offenders using spy technology to keep tabs on victims

DOMESTIC violence offenders are using spy technology and putting tracking devices in prams, bags and cars to stalk their victims.

Family violence offenders are using technology to stalk victims. CGI Picture: Andy Baker.

DOMESTIC violence offenders are using spy technology and putting tracking devices in prams, bags and cars to stalk their victims.

Police from the Gold Coast Domestic and Family Violence Taskforce have given an insight into the lengths perpetrators are prepared to go to keep former “loved ones” in their sights.

Taskforce Detective Inspector Marc Hogan said stalking was “common” among family violence offenders and the use of technology made it easier to do so.

“If the stalking gets into the technology side, the amount of technology used is a good indicator (of DV),” he told the Bulletin.

“(Some spy technology) tells you where the (victims) are, where they’ve been, their phone calls, everything.”

Det Insp Hogan said the Taskforce started work alongside the Salvation Army Crossroads Network, which incorporates the Safer In The Home program, soon after it formed last year.

The program, which uses federal-funded Protective Group specialist services, helped to prevent social media “leakage” of domestic violence victims, he said.

“I got on to this guy and we started to bring him up here because we have women that just cannot explain how (the offender) knows where they are all the time, so then you ask ‘Well, how does that happen?,’” Det Insp Hogan said.

“So you shut down the social media stuff and he still knows, so how does that happen?”

Grant Killen, general manager of risk for family and domestic violence at Protective Group, said the customised program incorporated a complete risk and security assessment for victims, including cyber security.

“We find out the details of the perpetrator, details of patterns,” he said.

“(Victims) are being monitored by iCloud, tracking devices, spyware, and key logging software (where offenders can see what exactly is being typed by the victim).”

Mr Killen said his group had received 92 referrals from agencies including the Taskforce since April.

Associate professor of criminology at Bond University Wayne Petherick said technology was well used in family violence situations.

“It does change when you’re talking about stalking in domestic violence (settings), probably because ... it’s emotional type behaviour where there’s a prior level of intimate relationships,” he said.

“It’s about keeping tabs where (victims) are, when they’re there and who they’re with.

“(Offenders) could be adding apps to their ex-wife’s or girlfriend’s phone, burying them many layers deep or using apps already on the phone ... knowing they don’t use it.

“Instead of jumping in a car, you can use a phone. Technology has made it easier.”