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You feel like your ex knows things they shouldn't
You suspect you're being tracked, monitored, or watched
You're going through separation and worried about digital safety
Your ex had access to your devices, passwords, or accounts
You want to protect yourself and your children from tech-based abuse
What if your ex knew where you were… who you were talking to… and what you were saying — without you ever telling them?
In this episode, we're joined by Catherine Plunkett, Director of Safety Net Australia at WESNET, to unpack the growing reality of technology-facilitated abuse in relationships and after separation.
Because abuse doesn't always leave bruises.
Sometimes it looks like:
your ex showing up where you are unexpectedly
knowing things you never told them
accessing your messages, accounts, or location
And increasingly, this is becoming one of the most common forms of domestic and family violence.
We break down what tech abuse actually is, how it happens, the warning signs to look for, and most importantly what you can do to protect yourself and your children.
If something doesn't feel right, this episode will help you understand what might be happening and what steps you can take next.
⏱️ Episode Timeline - Is Your Ex Watching You? Tech Abuse in Divorce Explained00:00 – Is Your Ex Spying on You? Hidden Tech Abuse Signs
01:35 – What Is Tech Abuse? How It Works in Relationships
05:10 – How Common Is Digital Abuse After Separation?
06:52 – Tracking Apps, Spyware & How People Monitor You
12:06 – Warning Signs Your Phone or Accounts Are Compromised
16:20 – What NOT to Do If You Suspect You're Being Watched
18:00 – Digital Safety Checks & Getting the Right Support
20:33 – Safe Phones, New Devices & Protecting Your Accounts
23:12 – That "Alarm Feeling": Trusting Your Instincts
24:11 – Smart Homes & Hidden Tracking Risks You Didn't Expect
26:31 – Cars, GPS & How Vehicles Can Track You
27:45 – Digital Safety Checklist: Steps You Can Take Today
30:47 – How Kids Can Be Used in Tech Monitoring
35:20 – AI, Deepfakes & The Future of Digital Abuse
38:39 – Where to Get Help for Tech Abuse
41:17 – Your Right to Privacy and Safe Communication
42:27 – What Safety Net Australia Does for Victims
44:19 – Final Thoughts, Support & Next Steps
🔗 Links & ResourcesSafety Net Australia – https://techsafety.org.au
eSafety Commissioner – https://www.esafety.gov.au
1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
This episode contains discussion of family violence and may be distressing for some listeners.
If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, support is available: 📞 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 🚨 In an emergency, call 000
⚖️ Legal DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and discusses general concepts. It is not legal advice. Every situation is different, and you should seek independent professional guidance for your circumstances.
By Laura & Lyn4.7
2727 ratings
You feel like your ex knows things they shouldn't
You suspect you're being tracked, monitored, or watched
You're going through separation and worried about digital safety
Your ex had access to your devices, passwords, or accounts
You want to protect yourself and your children from tech-based abuse
What if your ex knew where you were… who you were talking to… and what you were saying — without you ever telling them?
In this episode, we're joined by Catherine Plunkett, Director of Safety Net Australia at WESNET, to unpack the growing reality of technology-facilitated abuse in relationships and after separation.
Because abuse doesn't always leave bruises.
Sometimes it looks like:
your ex showing up where you are unexpectedly
knowing things you never told them
accessing your messages, accounts, or location
And increasingly, this is becoming one of the most common forms of domestic and family violence.
We break down what tech abuse actually is, how it happens, the warning signs to look for, and most importantly what you can do to protect yourself and your children.
If something doesn't feel right, this episode will help you understand what might be happening and what steps you can take next.
⏱️ Episode Timeline - Is Your Ex Watching You? Tech Abuse in Divorce Explained00:00 – Is Your Ex Spying on You? Hidden Tech Abuse Signs
01:35 – What Is Tech Abuse? How It Works in Relationships
05:10 – How Common Is Digital Abuse After Separation?
06:52 – Tracking Apps, Spyware & How People Monitor You
12:06 – Warning Signs Your Phone or Accounts Are Compromised
16:20 – What NOT to Do If You Suspect You're Being Watched
18:00 – Digital Safety Checks & Getting the Right Support
20:33 – Safe Phones, New Devices & Protecting Your Accounts
23:12 – That "Alarm Feeling": Trusting Your Instincts
24:11 – Smart Homes & Hidden Tracking Risks You Didn't Expect
26:31 – Cars, GPS & How Vehicles Can Track You
27:45 – Digital Safety Checklist: Steps You Can Take Today
30:47 – How Kids Can Be Used in Tech Monitoring
35:20 – AI, Deepfakes & The Future of Digital Abuse
38:39 – Where to Get Help for Tech Abuse
41:17 – Your Right to Privacy and Safe Communication
42:27 – What Safety Net Australia Does for Victims
44:19 – Final Thoughts, Support & Next Steps
🔗 Links & ResourcesSafety Net Australia – https://techsafety.org.au
eSafety Commissioner – https://www.esafety.gov.au
1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
This episode contains discussion of family violence and may be distressing for some listeners.
If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, support is available: 📞 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 🚨 In an emergency, call 000
⚖️ Legal DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and discusses general concepts. It is not legal advice. Every situation is different, and you should seek independent professional guidance for your circumstances.

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