Telco Together says the campaign aims to empower all Australians to recognise, prevent, and address technology facilitated abuse (tech abuse).

The Telco Together Foundation, in collaboration with eSafety and leading telecommunications organisations including Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom, Aussie Broadband, Superloop, Vocus Group, More, Tangerine, Uniti Group and Indara have collaborated to make the “Love Is” Tech Abuse Awareness campaign a reality.

It marks a pivotal moment in the industry’s ongoing commitment to tackling these urgent issues and driving systemic change across Australia. Through this campaign, the Foundation and its members are uniting to raise awareness, educate the public, and empower individuals to recognise and respond to the harmful effects of Tech Abuse.

The campaign builds on the power of collaboration within the telecommunications industry. As signatories to the Telco Industry Domestic and Family Violence Pledge, Telco Together Foundation and its member organisations are dedicated to ensuring that technology providers play an active and supportive role in addressing domestic and family violence (DFV) and Tech Abuse. By working together, we aim to ensure that everyAustralian has access to the support, resources, and tools necessary to break free from abuse while staying connected to the people and services that can help.

A core focus of the campaign is public awareness and education. The collective efforts of the industry are dedicated to providing Australians with essential information about what constitutes Tech Abuse, how to protect themselves from the misuse of technology and clear guidance on how to seek help if they are impacted.

In addition to educating the public, the campaign is also focused on equipping the telecommunications workforce with the necessary knowledge and resources to address Tech Abuse. By partnering with eSafety, specialised training programs have been provided to deepen employees’ understanding of tech-facilitated harms, improve privacy and safety measures, and ensure that victims receive the appropriate support.

This campaign is about more than raising awareness—it is about empowering individuals and communities to take meaningful action. With the support of the
telecommunications industry, Telco Together Foundation is committed to ensuring that technology serves as a force for safety, connection, and empowerment for all Australians. Together, the industry aims to drive lasting change and continue its mission to create a safer, more informed community.

Why This Campaign Matters
Telecommunications services can be both a lifeline and a tool of abuse for those experiencing DFV. Tech Abuse, which involves the misuse of digital technology to control, harass, and intimidate, affects countless Australians, including customers and employees.

Key statistics reveal the growing threat:
• Over 60% of Australians aged 18–54 have experienced technology-facilitated sexual violence.3
• 99.3% of practitioners in DFV settings report clients who have experienced technology-facilitated abuse.4
• 98% of practitioners working in family and sexual violence reported clients experiencing tech-facilitated coercive control.5
• In a 2022 study of DFV survivors in the workplace, more than 50% reported experiencing phone harassment during work hours.6

These figures highlight the urgent need for action across industries and communities. Kristy Kelly, CEO of Telco Together Foundation, stated, “This campaign reflects our commitment to reducing the misuse of technology while amplifying its potential to empower. Together, we can create a safer, more informed community.”

Minister for Communications, the Michelle Rowland MP said:“Violence against women and children is a problem of epidemic proportions in Australia.
When it comes to addressing this national crisis, we all have a role to play.

“Telecommunication services need to be a safe, secure and reliable avenue for people to seek the support they need to leave a violent situation, and remain connected with family, friends and important social support networks.

“This is why the Albanese Government is creating better protections for telco customers to ensure they can access timely support and stay connected when they need it the most.

“The Australian Communications and Media Authority will make an enforceable industry standard to ensure appropriate support is provided.

“It is also encouraging to see Australia’s telco industry taking unified action to support vulnerable customers and employees. I welcome the new industry-wide consumer campaign on tech abuse led by the Telco Together Foundation.”

Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner, Australia:

“Our research shows a significant number of Australians believe using technology to track, check and recheck a partner’s movements is ‘reasonable’ or ‘a sign of care’. This is deeply problematic. We might be tethered to our devices, but we should never be using tech to tether a partner to a relationship.

“From unpicking these concerning attitudes to helping women and their children safely escape violence, it's clear we have a long way to go. Domestic, family and sexual violence is a complex issue rooted in many cultures and histories, and we need complex, multi- dimensional solutions grounded in evidence, ingenuity, creativity and - crucially - meaningful collaboration.

“We know partnerships are at the heart of systemic change, which is why we’re delighted to partner with the Telco Together Foundation this 16 Days to sound the alarm on tech-based coercive control.

“I encourage Australia to get behind ‘Love is’ to raise awareness of tech-related behaviours that could signify attempts to control, own or manipulate a partner.”

Looking Ahead
As an industry, we are committed to continuing our work to better support victims and survivors of DFV, and to find new and innovative ways to prevent technology from being used for harm.

For more information on the “Love Is” Tech Abuse Awareness campaign or to access resources, visit https://telcotogether.org/tech-abuse/

About Telco Together Foundation:
The Telco Together Foundation unites Australia’s telecommunications industry to create meaningful social change. Partnering with the nation’s telcos, we work towards a shared vision: that every person in Australia is positively affected by the use and provision of technology. By harnessing the collective power of the industry, our goal is to positively impact some of Australia’s most complex social challenges.

https://telcotogether.org/about-us/
Find out more about the "Love Is” Tech Abuse Awareness campaign:https://telcotogether.org/tech-abuse/