Refuge's Tech Safety Newsletter February 2025
Refuge Tech Safety Training Update
Between October to December 2025, our new training lead, Kiera, delivered sessions to over 100 professionals on a variety of topics such as online harassment, intimate image-based abuse and stalkerware.
Our accredited training packages offer professionals practical insights for assessing and safety planning around technology facilitated abuse, whilst also learning effective strategies for supporting and empowering survivors and their children.
Details of available training packages can be found at refugetechsafety.org.uk/training. For further information and enquiries, please contact our Training Lead at techabusetraining@refuge.org.uk.
Participant Feedback: “The training has really been eye opening”
Participant Feedback: “This is something we should all be aware of in the digital era”
Safer Internet Day Feburary 11th 2025
Today is Safer Internet Day 2025, marking the UK’s largest celebration of online safety. Coordinated by the UK Safer Internet Centre, this annual event shines a spotlight on critical issues faced by young people in the digital world. The theme, “Too Good to Be True? – Protecting Yourself and Others from Scams Online,” addresses the growing prevalence of scams, such as online financial sextortion, while also examining the future challenges posed by emerging technologies like generative AI. Safer Internet Day is a vital platform to amplify youth voices, assess the scale of online threats, and promote collaborative efforts among governments, platforms, and communities to create safer online spaces.
At Refuge, we understand that technology can serve as both a lifeline and a potential risk for survivors of domestic abuse. While it connects individuals to essential resources and support networks, it can also expose them to technology-facilitated abuse. Safer Internet Day provides a unique opportunity for reflection and action, empowering everyone to contribute to safer digital environments. Together, we can protect ourselves, support others, and build a more secure digital future.
Our Commitment to Digital Safety
As part of our Safer Internet Day initiatives, the Youth Tech Abuse Lead has developed tailored resource packs for all our refuges. These include interactive and informative materials designed to engage children and young people in discussions about scams and online safety. For younger participants, the packs feature activities and conversation starters to help them identify and respond to online threats. For older youth, the materials address sensitive topics like online financial sextortion, provided at the discretion of support workers to ensure they are delivered appropriately. These resources promote open dialogue and foster a supportive environment where young people feel empowered to share their experiences and concerns. To make learning engaging, the Youth Tech Abuse Lead has also created a fun, interactive escape room game. This activity reinforces key lessons about online safety, enabling children and young people to work together to solve challenges while consolidating their knowledge in a memorable way.
Amplifying the Conversation
Refuge... In conversation with Everyone’s Invited
Refuge is also proud to contribute to the wider conversation with a special Safer Internet Day podcast episode. Hosted by our Youth Tech Abuse Lead this episode features Ellie Softley, Head of Education at Everyone’s Invited, a survivor-centered charity dedicated to eradicating rape culture. Together, they explore the “Too Good to Be True” theme, discussing online scams, sextortion, and the influence of online masculinity influencers. The podcast also shares practical advice, alongside insights from young people sourced by Votes for Schools, amplifying youth perspectives on cybercrime and digital safety.
A Call to Action
Safer Internet Day’s youth-led foundation is a reminder of the unique perspectives young people bring to shaping safer online spaces. While this day amplifies their voices, it also invites all of us—professionals, parents, and survivors—to reflect on our own digital habits. Have you recently reviewed your privacy settings? Are you engaging in conversations about online safety with those around you? Staying informed and taking small, intentional steps can significantly contribute to creating a safer online environment. Let this Safer Internet Day inspire you to take action, encourage dialogue, and join the movement toward a more secure and empowered digital future for everyone.