Legal NewsLegal News
Research has shown that domestic violence abusers are downloading spyware apps for as little as £30 each, which enable them to stalk their partners and victims – including listening into phone calls made from a mobile phone.
Around 41% of domestic violence victims are stalked via illegal covert surveillance devices, according to research by Women’s Aid.
Spyware can be pre-installed on devices given as gifts, to enable domestic violence abusers to access their victim’s phone records and monitor their actual phone calls remotely.
Controlling behaviour is an offence under domestic violence legislation.
The chief executive of Women's Aid, Polly Neate, told The Independent that those who carry out domestic violence “will use any means available to maintain and increase their control” over their victims.
”We increasingly hear stories of abusers adding tracking software to phones, placing spyware on personal computers – and using the Internet to gather information on their partner.
“However, in many cases the police are not trained to recognise and understand the impact of online abuse – including tracking – and action is rarely taken against the abusers.”
In the UK, a company is now selling a spyware device for £30, which turns a Smartphone into a surveillance platform, the Daily Mail reports. The spyware cannot be detected, meaning domestic abusers can monitor their partner’s phone calls and movements covertly.
Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors
Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors can advise victims of domestic abuse on their rights under the law – including taking action to stop psychological abuse, financial abuse, controlling behaviour in a relationship, stalking by a partner or ex-partner, and physical abuse and sexual abuse by a partner, including rape or revenge porn.
Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors and can advise on domestic violence issues under UK law and Islamic law.
For expert and confidential legal advice on dealing with domestic violence, call the Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors Helpline on 07920 077054.