This year’s SETDAB conference focused on Technology-Facilitated Domestic Abuse, where perpetrators misuse everyday devices and apps to monitor, control, and harm victims and survivors.

Held on 25 November in Chelmsford, the event celebrated partners’ work in addressing domestic abuse and marked the start of UN Women’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global movement to end violence against women and girls. The conference welcomed over 220 attendees, including leaders, professionals, survivors, and community champions, alongside key services such as police, housing, health, social care, probation, and voluntary organisations.

The day featured insightful keynote sessions and a vibrant marketplace of multi-agency stalls offering resources, information, and networking opportunities.

Strategic leadership and research insights

Dame Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, addressed the conference via video. Nicole commended the board’s leadership in uniting champions, practitioners, and survivors to drive a strategic approach to tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.  She stressed the need to sharpen knowledge and skills and explore practical ways to combat tech-facilitated abuse, reminding attendees that everyday devices can profoundly impact victims and survivors.

Nicole also highlighted recent research from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s Office and encouraged attendees to read the following reports:

Consent and control in a digital world

Gavin Saunders from Essex Police’s Cyber Prevent, Protect and Prepare team explained how perpetrators exploit everyday devices, such as smart home systems like Alexa, to monitor and control homes remotely, even from across the globe. He stressed that consent and ownership are critical: if you grant access, know how to revoke it so you stay in control of your technology.

We are all tech-savvy

Leonie Tanczer, Associate Professor in International Security and Emerging Technologies at UCL, reminded us that we are all tech savvy.  She urged attendees to embrace technology rather than fear it. Leonie highlighted that tech is part of daily life, from our phones and smart devices to cars and TVs, and should not be seen as exclusive or intimidating.

More importantly, technology must be included in risk assessments and safety planning and recognised as part of the power and control wheel.

Key takeaways

  • Don’t feel overwhelmed by technology.
  • Look for ways to make a positive difference.
  • Always consider consent and control.

Empathy and belief in victims – Georgia Harrison MBE

Georgia Harrison MBE presented via video. Georgia stressed the importance of making victims feel believed and supported, so they have the confidence to pursue legal action against perpetrators. She spoke of how intimate CCTV footage, filmed without her knowledge or consent, was distributed to millions of people online. Her abuser was sentenced to 21-months in prison and placed on the sex offender’s register.  Georgia praised Essex Police for their outstanding support throughout her case.

Young people’s voices

Attendees were privilege to watch a thought provoking and powerful video especially curated for the SETDAB Conference by young people from the Essex Youth Service. The link was made between how today’s young people are growing up in a world where it is normal to share passwords and location with partners, which can impact relationships especially where coercive control develops.  With young people spending over ten hours a day on their phone, relationships are becoming more digital than physical.

The video called for action, reminding us that safeguarding must extend from the physical world into the digital space. Young voices tell us that phones don’t just connect, they can expose. It is important that we as a partnership create the change young people need.

Afternoon activity, survivor stories and conference closure

A survivor supported by Changing Pathways, the domestic abuse advocacy service, courageously shared her story of abuse from both a parent and partners. She shared her struggle with substance misuse as a way to cope with the pain. She also explained how her perpetrator used technology as a tool of control, cutting her off from family and friends and removing access to her phone and car.

Now, with the help and support of Changing Pathways, she is rebuilding her life. She emphasised that the challenges don’t end when you leave refuge and the fear, uncertainty, and isolation that can follow. She stressed that continued contact and care are vital during this stage and that leaving refuge can feel incredibly lonely and overwhelming. Ongoing support is key to regaining independence and confidence.

Colleagues from Changing Pathways also facilitated an interactive exercise. Attendees discussed a case study, resulting in a strong call to integrate technology awareness into all aspects of domestic abuse prevention and response.

Celebrating leadership

Finally, a heartfelt thanks was extended to Jane Gardner, SETDAB Board Chair and Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, as she retires from her leadership role. For seven years, Jane has provided exceptional vision and drive, steering the Board through two strategies, including the newly launched 2025–2030 strategy. Her leadership has united agencies, strengthened collaboration, and ensured SETDAB delivers on its mission: enabling everyone across Southend, Essex, and Thurrock to live free from domestic abuse. Jane’s integrity, compassion, and action-oriented approach have made her an outstanding advocate and colleague, shaping SETDAB into the effective board it is today.

Thank you

SETDAB extends sincere thanks to all attendees, speakers, stallholders, and partners who contributed to making this conference a success. Your engagement, expertise, and collaboration are vital in driving forward our shared mission. To discover more on this topic head to our Digital Stalking page.