Domestic Violence Prevention Month launched

Focus put on techno-stalking, help for children

Posted By Rob Swystun, The Daily Graphic

Updated 22 days ago

Staff photo by Rob Swystun -- The focus for the provincial government during this year's Domestic Violence Prevention Month is on counteracting cyber stalking.

That new toy an ex-spouse gave to your son or daughter could, in fact, be helping your ex to spy on you.

Small cameras inserted into a toy is one way an abuser can techno-stalk a victim, according to Joyce Schrader, executive director of the Portage Family Abuse Prevention Centre.

At a recent two-day conference, Schrader learned people could techno-stalk is through global positioning system (GPS) monitoring.

Someone could plant a GPS capable device in a victim's vehicle, Schrader noted, or plant a small camera into a child's toy, which could be taken into a victim's home. Tech-savvy abusers can also monitor e-mails.

While cases like these are rare, the executive director noted, she learned at the workshop, hosted by the province in Winnipeg Nov. 3-4, that they do happen.

"It's been here for awhile," she said of techno-stalking, "and we're catching up, but we're catching up quite quickly."

Part of playing catch-up, she added, is creating awareness that this type of abuse does exist and is happening.

"We're tying to build an awareness to the general public as quickly as possible," she said.

If an ex-partner seems to always know what is happening in a victim's life, "there are some red flags that should go up," Schrader said.

The province is also providing $248,000 for two initiatives designed to help children directly affected by family violence.

rswystun@cpheraldleader.com

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