Harnessing technology to prevent harm and protect victims

In today’s digital age, technology is transforming the way law enforcement, social services, and the wider criminal justice system identify, prevent, and respond to harmful behaviours. Digital tools offer unprecedented opportunities to detect risk factors early, protect victims from abuse, and enhance multi-agency collaboration. By leveraging technology thoughtfully and ethically, organisations can proactively intervene before harm escalates, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and improve justice outcomes for victims of VAWG and RASSO.

1. Early identification and prevention of harmful behaviours

Digital tools can play a pivotal role in recognising early signs of harmful behaviours and patterns that may escalate into crime. Predictive analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven risk assessment platforms enable agencies to process vast quantities of information from multiple sources, identifying behavioural indicators that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, social media monitoring tools and natural language processing (NLP) algorithms can flag posts, messages, or interactions suggesting abusive intent, grooming, or radicalisation.

Machine learning models can analyse historical crime data, identifying geographic hotspots, times of heightened risk, or recurring behavioural patterns. By integrating data from education, health, and social care services, agencies can detect early warning signs of domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, or coercive control. For instance, repeated reports of harassment, missing persons, or self-harm notifications can be aggregated to highlight individuals at higher risk, prompting early interventions.

Digital platforms also facilitate preventative education and engagement. Online apps and interactive tools can deliver personalised guidance to young people about healthy relationships, consent, and digital safety. Chatbots and AI-driven support systems can provide confidential guidance, encourage disclosure of harmful experiences, and signpost victims to appropriate services, all while reducing barriers to seeking help.

2. Protecting victims from tech-enabled abuse and image-based harm

Technology itself can be both a vector for abuse and a solution to it. The proliferation of online platforms has led to increased incidents of image-based sexual abuse (commonly known as “revenge porn”) and cyberstalking. Digital solutions are increasingly being deployed to safeguard victims in these contexts.

For example, automated image detection and takedown tools use AI to identify intimate images shared without consent across social media, messaging platforms, and cloud storage. Services such as content hashing allow images or videos to be tracked and removed quickly, limiting the potential for widespread distribution. Law enforcement can also use these tools to gather evidence safely without requiring victims to re-share sensitive material themselves, reducing trauma.

Similarly, cyber monitoring and alert systems can help protect victims of online harassment or stalking. These tools detect abusive messages, threats, or attempts to breach personal accounts, notifying victims and law enforcement in real time. Multi-factor authentication, secure communication channels, and encrypted reporting platforms also provide additional layers of protection, allowing victims to report abuse safely and anonymously if required.

Moreover, technology supports risk assessment and safety planning. Apps and platforms can help victims document abusive behaviour, track patterns, and access tailored advice about safe routes, emergency contacts, and protective measures, empowering them to take informed action.

3. Supporting victims within the criminal justice system

The criminal justice system can be intimidating and retraumatizing for victims of VAWG and RASSO. Digital tools are helping to streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance victim engagement. Case management systems integrate police, prosecution, and court data, enabling better tracking of investigations and reducing the likelihood of evidence being lost or mishandled.

Remote reporting tools and digital evidence submission platforms allow victims to provide statements, photographs, and video evidence securely, reducing the need for repeated in-person interactions and minimising re-traumatisation. Virtual courtrooms and live video links for vulnerable witnesses have become increasingly common, allowing victims to give testimony without being physically present in court, which is particularly valuable in sexual offence cases.

AI-driven triage systems also help law enforcement prioritise cases based on risk and severity, ensuring that high-risk cases receive timely attention. Additionally, predictive tools can support risk assessment for repeat offenders, enabling authorities to implement protective measures more effectively.

Digital communication platforms improve ongoing victim support and engagement. Secure apps allow victims to receive updates on case progress, communicate confidentially with support services, and access psychological support remotely. This ongoing engagement helps victims feel heard, supported, and informed throughout the investigative and judicial process.

4. Enhancing multi-agency approaches

VAWG and RASSO are complex societal issues requiring coordinated responses across multiple agencies, including police, health services, social care, education, and third-sector organisations. Technology facilitates this collaboration through integrated information-sharing platforms.

Secure cloud-based case management systems allow agencies to share relevant data while maintaining compliance with data protection laws. For example, when a victim interacts with a health professional, police officer, or social worker, relevant alerts and risk assessments can be updated in real time across all agencies, reducing duplication and ensuring that each agency has a holistic view of the victim’s circumstances.

Digital platforms can also enable real-time collaboration and communication between agencies. Multi-agency dashboards highlight high-risk cases, flag escalating concerns, and track interventions, ensuring timely responses. These tools can also support joint decision-making processes, risk assessments, and coordinated safety planning.

Technology enhances training and knowledge sharing as well. Virtual learning platforms, webinars, and online modules enable agencies to share best practices in identifying, investigating, and supporting victims of VAWG and RASSO. AI-powered analytics can help agencies assess the effectiveness of interventions, measure outcomes, and adapt strategies accordingly.

Moreover, technology can enable community engagement and prevention initiatives. Mapping tools can identify locations with higher prevalence of specific crimes, allowing agencies to deploy resources strategically. Public-facing apps can enable community members to report suspicious behaviour anonymously, facilitating earlier intervention and increasing trust between communities and law enforcement.

Conclusion

Digital tools are reshaping the landscape of prevention, protection, and support for victims of VAWG and RASSO. By enabling early identification of harmful behaviours, safeguarding victims from tech-enabled abuse, supporting victims throughout the criminal justice process, and enhancing multi-agency collaboration, technology empowers agencies to intervene earlier, respond faster, and deliver more effective outcomes.

To achieve the full potential of these tools, it is crucial to implement them ethically, ensuring data privacy, consent, and security are maintained. By combining technological innovation with victim-centered policies and multi-agency coordination, law enforcement and partner organisations can create a safer, more responsive environment, reducing harm, preventing escalation, and supporting victims every step of the way.

Justice and Emergency Services Programme activities

The techUK Justice and Emergency Services Programme represents tech firms operating in the public safety, criminal justice, and blue light markets. We create strong relationships between members and public sector customers, encouraging industry engagement, and unlocking innovation. Visit the programme page here.