UCL Computer Science researcher partners with Domestic Abuse Commissioner to address tech abuse

UCL’s Gender and IoT research team has welcomed PhD researcher Anjuli Kaul, who will lead a new collaborative project with the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s Office. This partnership seeks to develop policy strategies to combat technology-facilitated abuse, focusing on enhancing legal protections for survivors of domestic violence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Kaul’s PhD is part of a larger research initiative led by Dr Leonie Tanczer, Associate Professor at UCL Computer Science, under her UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, “Revolutionising Online Safety: Tackling Technology-Facilitated Abuse to Protect Victims and Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).”  

The project’s overarching aim is to pre-emptively halt abuse via digital platforms by targeting perpetrator actions, thereby relieving survivors of the burden of adapting their behaviour to remain safe online. 

A key component of Kaul’s research involves mapping the policy environment surrounding tech abuse to identify best practices and inform UK law on domestic violence and online harm. This work aligns with UCL Computer Science’s Gender and Tech Lab, where researchers investigate the intersections of technology, security and gender to develop safer digital environments. 

An experienced researcher, Kaul previously worked on significant projects in domestic and sexual violence at King’s College London, including coordinating the UKRI Violence, Abuse and Mental Health Network.  

She now joins the Gender and IoT team, continuing her mission to advocate for survivor-centred approaches in policy. Kaul reflects on the importance of her work, saying: 

“Through my work with survivors over the years, I have seen how technology is increasingly being used to perpetrate domestic abuse. It is crucial that policies are in place which offer robust protections for survivors and work to prevent perpetrators from weaponising technology to harm those around them.” 

Nicole Jacobs, Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, also expresses enthusiasm for the partnership: 

“I am delighted that Anjuli has been appointed to this important PhD studentship through the Gender and IoT research group at UCL. This PhD - and the gender and tech programme – will be critical in improving both our understanding of, and response to, technology-facilitated abuse. I look forward to working closely with Anjuli and team to make this project a real success, and ensure the work reflects the needs of victims and survivors of domestic abuse.” 

In addition to her research, Kaul’s studentship includes a three-month internship at the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s Office, along with engagements aimed at bridging the gap between academia, policymakers, tech leaders, and survivors. Survivors’ voices will be prioritised throughout the research to ensure policies reflect their real-world experiences and needs.