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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Nicole Wootton-Cane

Abuse involving smartwatches and rings rising at ‘alarming’ rate, charity warns

Abusers are increasingly using wearable technology like smartwatches and rings to stalk, harass, and coerce survivors, a leading domestic abuse charity has warned.

New data released by Refuge shows a 62 per cent rise in referrals to its technology-facilitated abuse and economic empowerment team in 2025 to 829, up from 512 in 2024.

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