Technology facilitated abuse: Supporting women in building tech safety

"In a world where our lives are increasingly being lived online, the need to stay safe from tech-based abuse has never been more important," eSafety Commission, 2026. 

This webinar is designed to build practitioner understanding and confidence in supporting women experiencing technology facilitated abuse. Join Paula Smith, Technology Facilitated Abuse Educator and DFV Specialist at Women’s and Girls' Emergency Centre (WAGEC), as she shares insights from their Building Tech Safety program.

Paula will unpack the digital dimensions of coercive control and how devices, accounts, platforms, connectivity, location services, cloud systems, smart technology and digital evidence can be used to interfere with the autonomy and choices of women. She will explore safety alongside broader support and safety planning, discussing practical steps that can help women feel safe, confident, and in control of their digital lives.

Practitioners' will leave with an understanding of how to collaborate with WAGEC's statewide Building Tech Safety program, and the workforce training it offers

Bring your phone along to the session so you can participate in a digital audit.

If you have any question for Paula Smith, please bring them along to the training or send them through to Courtney at project@whnsw.asn.au prior.

Paula Smith

Paula is an experienced strategic investigator for domestic, family and sexual violence, and TFA specialist. As a trauma-informed practitioner and tech safety educator she has more than 30 years of experience across NSW policing, investigations, safeguarding for sport and media. She was a member of the eSafety Women team for the eSafety Commissioner who led the Police and Judicial education to front line workers, upskilling organisations, corporations, state and federal government agencies in online safety for women and children, Paula has been advocating for victim survivors and the investment in ongoing, updated and on demand workforce capability development to protect vulnerable communities and cohorts from the actual and indicative harms.

Women's and Girl's Emergency Centre

Women’s and Girls' Emergency Centre (WAGEC) is a feminist, grassroots organisation that supports women and families in crisis and advocates for social change in the community. You can find more information about the work WAGEC does here: https://www.wagec.org.au/