Continuous Learning & Evaluation
Digital threats do not stand still, and neither do we. This section outlines how we evaluate our impact and refine our approach to fighting technological abuse.
We do not just rely on past data. We constantly review our programs to ensure they meet the changing reality of tech vs privacy intrusions. Our commitment is to verify what works, discard what doesn’t, and keep our safety advice cutting-edge.
Evaluating Safety Solutions
In 2019, we completed a comprehensive evaluation of the first round of our digital safety initiatives. We wanted to know: did the tools we funded actually help victims?
The findings were clear. While info research provides the foundation, practical support is what saves lives. We reviewed the journeys of our funded partners to understand how they tackled complex tech challenges.
This review was not just about checking boxes. It was about measuring the real-world impact of additional support provided to partners. The report includes vital recommendations for anyone funding or building social tech projects in the domestic abuse space.
Identifying Abuses of Technology
Our work is grounded in the reality of user experiences. Our initial research study identified a stark contrast in how technology is used.
On one hand, technology plays a hugely positive role for a small proportion of women who feel confident using digital tools to find help. For them, the internet is a lifeline.
However, for the vast majority, the experience is different. Both practitioners and survivors recounted numerous negative experiences. We documented widespread technological abuse, where perpetrators used everyday devices to harass and control their victims.
This insight was pivotal. It proved that we cannot just give people “access” to technology; we must teach them personal cyber security to ensure that access is safe.
Investing in Digital Innovation
Identifying the problem was only the first step. To solve it, we launched a dedicated grants initiative to address five specific design challenges we discovered.
We focused on creating digital design principles and practices solutions that work in the real world. Supported by major partners, we created a fund of over half a million pounds dedicated solely to technological innovation.
The goal was simple: to develop creative digital solutions that tangibly improve the safety of women and girls affected by domestic abuse. This funding allowed us to move from theory to practice, building the tools that protect users today.