And just like that, the weary caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly
Domestic violence isn't always physical, and there are long lasting internal bruises that accompany emotional abuse. Abusing intimate partners through technology has become increasingly common because it can be hard to detect and/or prove, and the bruises are invisible unlike the ones that accompany physical abuse. IoT devices are nonstandard computing devices that wirelessly connect to a network and have the ability to transmit data. Examples of IoT devices include products like Amazon’s Alexa, app controlled light bulbs, smart home security systems, smart thermostats, and thousands of other physical devices. While these products are designed to make our lives easier, they can be used by abusers to gaslight and control their victims. Cyberstalking, unauthorized access of accounts, and online harassment understandably leaves victims feeling paranoid and violated. It’s easy to feel vulnerable and exposed after enduring this type of abuse, and I strive to give survivors the tools they need in order to take back their power and emerge stronger and more resilient.