A man has used a Spotify playlist to breach a family violence protection order, in another example of technology being exploited for abuse.
Earlier this year, the man admitted a single count of contravening a family violence order after adding numerous songs to his ex-partner's playlist.
The more than a dozen song titles included: Toxic, Maneater, Escort, Prostitute, Domestic Violence, You Are a C---, P.S. F--- You C---, Pornstar, Hi, I'm a Slut, and Lady of the Night.
The 25-year-old offender cannot be named because doing so would identify parties involved in protection order proceedings, which is illegal in the ACT.
Police documents tendered when the man was sentenced in June, but only acquired by The Canberra Times this week, reveal the former couple dated for two-and-a-half years and were engaged to be married.
The pair separated in mid-2023 and, a month later, the victim was granted a family violence order.
That prevented the man from contacting his ex-partner, except in a range of approved ways like through a lawyer or at a counselling session.
During their relationship, the offender used a Spotify account under his name to add songs to the victim's music platform playlist.
In August last year, several months after the pair had broken up, he again used his account to add songs with abusive titles to the woman's playlist.
The victim only noticed the breach when an unfamiliar song came on as she listened to music. She reported it to police the next day.
The man was eventually convicted before being handed a 12-month good behaviour order and a $1000 fine.
Contravening a family violence order is one of the most common charges in the ACT courts, with abusers exploiting technology to breach protection orders being a growing phenomenon.
For example, media reports have revealed offenders tracking "smart" technology like doorbells and watches or sending bank transfers with abusive messages attached.
Amounts as low as one cent can be sent in order to make contact with victims.
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732; ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service 6280 0900.
