Taking Action: shining a light on hidden harms of tech enabled abuse in Merseyside
01.05.26 - Merseyside
Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner and the police are today launching a major new phase of their Taking Action campaign to switch on awareness of the often-hidden harms of tech-enabled abuse and its real-world impact.
The campaign is being unveiled at an event at Merseyside Police Headquarters, where an audience made up of police cadets and invited guests will hear from cyber specialists, and a victim‑survivor about how to recognise the signs of tech‑enabled abuse and where to seek help.
The launch features a powerful video with brave victim‑survivor Sophie Parrish sharing her experience of deepfake abuse, helping to highlight this growing trend and its devastating impact on women and girls.
Technology plays a part in all our lives, helping us stay connected, manage our homes, and communicate with the people we care about. But for many women, the same technology is being used to threaten, monitor, control, and harm. Tech‑enabled abuse is a form of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), and it is a crime.
Tech‑enabled abuse can include:
- Constant unwanted messages
- Threats made through social media
- Sharing intimate images without consent
- Tracking someone’s location
- Controlling smart home devices
- Accessing personal accounts without permission
These behaviours, which can include cyberflashing, cyberstalking and online exploitation, cause real fear, distress, and harm, and no one should have to endure them.
The campaign aims to shine a light on this often-hidden form of abuse, helping women recognise the red flags of tech-enabled abuse and when digital behaviour crosses a line, and ensuring they know that support is available.
By raising awareness, challenging harmful behaviour, and empowering women with practical tools and information, the campaign aims to make online and offline spaces safer for everyone.
The campaign is the fourth phase of the police and PCC’s ongoing Taking Action campaign which aims to prevent and tackle VAWG. Previous phases have reached tens of thousands of people across the region and have driven increased awareness of domestic abuse and coercive control, stalking behaviours and sexual violence.
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Tech‑enabled abuse is one of the fastest‑growing forms of violence against women and girls, with devastating real‑life consequences.
“Deepfake abuse, online monitoring, threats and image‑based harm are not ‘online issues’ — they are acts of abuse that can be frightening, deeply violating and can have a profound impact on women and girls’ safety, wellbeing and daily life.
“Through our Taking Action campaign, we are shining a light on these behaviours, raising awareness of the red flags and making it clear that this abuse will not be tolerated in Merseyside.
“I also want to recognise Sophie’s remarkable bravery in sharing her experience of deepfake abuse. Speaking openly about something so personal takes enormous courage, and her voice helps others to understand just how serious and harmful these behaviours can be.
“My commitment to tackling Violence against Women and Girls is unwavering, and together with Merseyside Police and our partners we are working to prevent harm, protect those at risk, and take robust action against anyone who uses technology to abuse or exploit others.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Lamb, Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said: “We are seeing more offenders use technology to intimidate, monitor or control victims, and the impact of this abuse is every bit as serious as harm caused in person. Tech‑enabled abuse can leave victims feeling watched in their own homes, fearful about using their devices, and unsure who to turn to. Our officers are committed to responding robustly to these crimes, protecting those at risk, and holding perpetrators to account. We are absolutely focused on identifying those who weaponise technology to abuse others and will use every tool available to pursue, disrupt, and bring offenders to justice.
“I want to recognise Sophie’s courage and bravery in sharing her lived experience. Speaking out is never easy, but by doing so she is helping others recognise the signs of abuse and showing victims that they are not alone.”
“By working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner and our partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify the signs of tech‑enabled abuse earlier and provide practical safeguarding for women and girls across Merseyside. We want victims to know they will be listened to, believed, and supported, whether abuse happens offline, online, or both.”
Previous phases of the Taking Action campaign have highlighted the red flags of domestic abuse and stalking and helped to rip away the lies that are used to excuse sexual violence.
The campaign has focused on calling out unacceptable behaviour and making it clear will not be tolerated in Merseyside, while also encouraging men to be part of the solution in preventing and tackling abuse and violence.
Every phase of the campaign has been informed by the experience and insights of victim-survivors, and specialist support services. This new phase continues that approach by centring lived experience and amplifying voices that are too often unheard — particularly in cases of digital and tech-enabled abuse.