My ex stole my benefits and controlled my medication. It took me years to escape'

"No privacy online, surveillance at home and no control over her money or medical appointments - this was the reality of life for one woman who endured years of abuse by her partner through technology."

"I had no privacy at all, she told The Independent. He had access to all my accounts, my bank account - everything. The worst thing was him cancelling my hospital appointments, he would tell the hospital I was too poorly, it wasn't true, but he wouldn't let me. I would then have to wait months to be seen."

"She is one of the increasing number of disabled people leading charity Refuge say who are facing the devastating impact of tech-facilitated domestic abuse."

Tech-facilitated domestic abuse disproportionately harms disabled people who rely on partners for care. One wheelchair user depended on her partner for medical needs but endured years of control and surveillance. The partner accessed bank and benefit accounts, cancelled hospital appointments by falsely claiming severe illness, and monitored movements via phone and smart home devices. These actions deprived the victim of privacy, autonomy, timely healthcare, and financial independence, causing months-long delays in treatment. Charity Refuge reports increasing numbers of disabled people facing similar technology-enabled abuse, highlighting the need for targeted protections and support.

Read at www.independent.co.uk