Responding to Technology-Enabled Abuse in Adult Social Care
Technology-enabled abuse is increasingly recognised as a safeguarding concern in adult social care. Within Digital Safeguarding, Online Risk & Technology-Enabled Harm, providers must understand how abuse can be facilitated through digital tools and platforms. Effective responses rely on integration with Digital Care Planning, ensuring staff respond consistently and lawfully.
This article focuses on how providers respond to technology-enabled abuse, from identification through to governance and assurance.
What technology-enabled abuse looks like in practice
Technology-enabled abuse may include:
- Harassment via messaging or social media
- Coercive control using tracking or surveillance
- Threats delivered digitally
- Exploitation facilitated through online contact
Abuse may be subtle and escalate gradually, requiring skilled observation.
Early identification and staff awareness
Staff should be trained to recognise indicators such as:
- Changes in mood linked to device use
- Reluctance to engage after online contact
- Unexplained financial pressure
Digital indicators should be treated with the same seriousness as physical signs.
Operational example 1: Online harassment impacting mental wellbeing
Context: A person receiving community support became increasingly distressed following repeated online messages.
Support approach: Staff explored digital activity during supervision and identified harassment from known contacts.
Day-to-day delivery detail: Safeguarding procedures were initiated, digital evidence recorded, and support provided to block contacts and adjust settings.
How effectiveness is evidenced: Emotional wellbeing improved and safeguarding outcomes were documented.
Commissioner expectation
Commissioners expect providers to treat technology-enabled abuse as a safeguarding issue, with clear reporting, escalation and partnership working.
Regulator / Inspector expectation
Inspectors expect providers to protect people from abuse in all forms, including digital, and to evidence appropriate action.
Working with safeguarding partners
Effective responses often involve:
- Local authority safeguarding teams
- Police or specialist services where required
- Family or advocates, where appropriate
Operational example 2: Coercive control via tracking apps
Context: A former partner used location-sharing to monitor an individual’s movements.
Support approach: The provider supported the individual to understand the risk and revoke access.
Day-to-day delivery detail: Digital safety planning was introduced, capacity considered, and safeguarding actions recorded.
How effectiveness is evidenced: Risk reduced and inspection feedback noted proactive safeguarding.
Recording and evidencing responses
Providers should ensure:
- Digital evidence is preserved appropriately
- Decisions are clearly recorded
- Outcomes are reviewed and audited
Operational example 3: Online exploitation following hospital discharge
Context: Isolation following discharge increased reliance on online contact.
Support approach: Staff monitored digital engagement and identified exploitative behaviour.
Day-to-day delivery detail: Safeguarding referrals were made and community support strengthened.
How effectiveness is evidenced: Reduced risk and documented multi-agency working.
What good looks like
Good practice responses to technology-enabled abuse are timely, proportionate and person-centred. Providers can clearly evidence how abuse is identified, addressed and reviewed within safeguarding frameworks.