When Abuse Moves Online: Recognising Digital Coercion and Harassment
Abuse doesn't always leave a bruise. Increasingly, it doesn't even require the abuser to be in the same room — or even the same city. Around the world, 2026 has seen growing attention to what researchers call technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV): abuse that happens through phones, apps, and the internet.
This isn't a niche problem. It's becoming one of the most common — and most under-recognised — forms of abuse survivors experience today.
What digital coercion actually looks like
Many survivors don't initially recognise these behaviours as abuse, because they don't match the picture of violence most of us grew up with. Some common patterns include:
- Constant monitoring — a partner demanding your phone's location is always on, checking your messages, or installing tracking apps without your knowledge
- Digital isolation — controlling who you can follow, message, or speak to online; forcing you to unfriend or block people
- Threats using private content — being threatened with the release of private photos or messages ("if you leave, I'll post this")
- Online harassment after separation — being messaged repeatedly from new accounts after blocking someone, or having them monitor your public posts to track your life
- Financial digital control — being locked out of banking apps, having transactions monitored, or losing access to your own accounts
If any of this sounds familiar — whether it's happening now or happened in a past relationship — it counts. You don't need visible injuries for this to be real abuse, and you don't need to have "proof" figured out before you reach out for support.
Why this is a growing focus globally — and in Nigeria
Legal systems everywhere, including Nigeria's, are actively working to catch up. As we covered in our recent post on the VAPP Act review, Nigeria's legislature is currently examining how national law addresses technology-facilitated violence and online exploitation specifically — a sign that this is being taken seriously at a policy level, not just informally acknowledged.
What to do if this is happening to you
- Trust what you're feeling, even if you can't immediately name it as "abuse." Constant fear, walking on eggshells around your phone, or feeling controlled digitally are valid reasons to seek support.
- Document safely, if you can do so without risk — screenshots of threatening messages can help later, but never put yourself in danger to collect them.
- Consider a safety plan around your devices — this might include changing passwords from a safe device, checking for tracking apps with trusted help, or using a friend's phone to make first contact with support services.
- Reach out — DSVSF's counselling and legal aid teams can help you think through next steps, whether that's safety planning, legal options, or simply talking it through.
Confidential support:
- Lagos State DSVA — 0800 033 3333 (24/7)
- DSVSF Office — +234 808 190 7305 (available 24/7)
Source: Foundation for Media Alternatives, “TFGBV in 2026: A New Year, New Digital Threats to Women and Girls.”