More women are being harassed, tracked through an 'explosion' in tech-based abuse, lawyers say

Spyware on mobile phones. Key points: Perth lawyers say they have seen a significant increase in clients being stalked or harassed via technology Federal funding will be used to sweep women's houses for cameras and check phones for spyware Experts say funding will need to be accessible without creating further risk and victim-survivors should be consulted These are some of the ways women are being stalked and harassed, according to the lawyers who represent them, and the academics who study technology-based abuse. Family lawyer Catherine Leach, of Leach Legal in Perth, said she had seen a "big explosion" in technology such as apps, GPS trackers and cameras being weaponised against her clients by domestic abusers and stalkers. "So, you get people who don't believe these women and they start saying, 'You're just being paranoid, it's not a conspiracy theory, he's not tracking you'," Ms Leach said. Family and domestic violence support services: If you need help immediately call emergency services on triple-0 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732 Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811 Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491 Lifeline: 131 114 "What happened is, during that access visit, there might have been a tracking device put into the toys or something like that."