Abusers using AI and digital tech to attack and control women, charity warns

Women's groups are calling for tech developers to take into account women's safety. Women's groups are calling for tech developers to take into account women's safety. Domestic abusers are increasingly using AI, smartwatches and other technology to attack and control their victims, a domestic abuse charity says. Record numbers of women who were abused and controlled through technology were referred to Refuge's specialist services during the last three months of 2025, including a 62% increase in the most complex cases to total 829 women. There was also a 24% increase in referrals of under-30s.