Experts warn of 'smart home technology' being used in cases of domestic abuse

local charities say those concerned should seek support

Video doorbells are among the technology that some people are exploiting
Author: Q CumminsPublished 7th May 2026

Experts are warning that smart home technology is being misused by abusers.

It's off the back of more young people becoming victims of domestic abuse, at higher rates, than those older than 25.

Aston Vicary from Oasis, a domestic abuse charity in Kent, said:

"With all technology that's been created to enhance our lives, it can be misused by individuals. And we do see abusers misusing home based tech.

"Really good examples are the doorbells that people put on that give you a live monitoring feed.

"We know of abusers using that to track their victims' movements, to check when they're at home, when they're not at home, to listen into conversations that may be happening.

"If anybody's concerned that that might be happening in their home, give those specialist services a call and and we can guide you through how to keep yourself and your family as safe as possible and guide through those processes."

Those concerned in the Kent and Medway area are advised to use the Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Partnership website.