Unsafe by Design will explore how the rapid evolution of technology — including AI, surveillance tools, and social media platforms — is enabling new forms of coercive control and abuse within domestic and family violence contexts.

Drawing on my advocacy with Away from Keyboard (AFK) Inc., I will examine how technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is no longer a fringe concern but a mainstream risk, intensifying the power imbalance between abusers and survivors.

Through real-world case studies and policy insights, this presentation will outline how:

Digital ecosystems are being weaponised by perpetrators to stalk, monitor, and control victims.

AI-driven content and automation are amplifying harms — including deepfakes, image-based abuse, and predictive harassment.

Current legal and support systems lack the digital literacy and frameworks required to safeguard survivors.

Most critically, I will propose actionable solutions for the sector: embedding digital risk assessments into casework, advocating for ethical technology design, and preparing frontline responders to address these emerging risks.

Three Key Learnings:

How AI and tech platforms are unintentionally (and sometimes intentionally) enabling coercive control and TFGBV.

Practical steps to integrate digital harm assessments into domestic violence case management.

How advocates and services can influence tech design and policy to prevent abuse by design.

This is not just a technology issue — it is a human rights imperative. Without urgent intervention, the digital layer of domestic abuse will outpace our ability to protect victims and prosecute offenders.