Surviving abuse at the hands of a spouse is never easy, but when that abuse takes the form of tech abuse, it can be especially insidious and difficult to escape. As a woman in her forties who has survived tech abuse from a spouse, I know firsthand the challenges and complexities of this type of abuse.

Tech abuse, or the use of technology to control or intimidate a partner, can take many forms. It may involve monitoring a partner's phone or computer usage, hacking into their accounts, or using social media to harass or stalk them. It can be difficult to detect, as abusers often use sophisticated tactics to conceal their actions and manipulate their victims.

One of the most challenging aspects of tech abuse is that it can be difficult to prove. Unlike physical abuse, which often leaves visible evidence, tech abuse can be hidden and difficult to track. This can make it hard for survivors to obtain legal protection or seek justice.

However, there are steps that survivors of tech abuse can take to protect themselves and begin to heal. One of the most important is to seek support from a trusted friend or family member, or from an organization that specializes in helping survivors of domestic abuse.

It's also crucial to prioritize safety by changing passwords, using two-factor authentication, and monitoring social media privacy settings. It's important to document any evidence of abuse, including screenshots of abusive messages or emails, and to keep a record of any incidents of harassment or stalking.

Therapy can also be a crucial component of healing from tech abuse, helping survivors to process their trauma and rebuild a sense of self-worth and confidence.

While surviving tech abuse from a spouse is never easy, it is possible. By seeking support, prioritizing safety, and accessing therapy and other resources, survivors can begin to heal and rebuild their lives. No one deserves to be a victim of tech abuse, and with the right tools and support, survivors can overcome this insidious form of abuse and find hope for the future.