Kaspersky Report Finds One in Three Victims of Tech-Enabled Abuse Face Real-World Consequences

Technology-facilitated abuse is leaving lasting effects that extend far beyond digital platforms, with a new global report from Kaspersky revealing that one in three victims experience significant real-world consequences.

The cybersecurity and digital privacy company found that 34% of respondents who experienced tech-enabled abuse reported consequences that affected their daily lives, relationships, education, and careers. Despite the severity of these impacts, more than one in five victims took no action at all, often because they did not know where to seek support.

The study, conducted by Kaspersky’s internal market research center, surveyed 7,600 respondents across 19 countries to examine the prevalence and impact of technology-facilitated abuse.

The Harm Goes Beyond the Screen

Most respondents recognized the psychological effects of tech-enabled abuse, with 79% identifying impacts such as depression, trauma, and long-term stress. Another 73% acknowledged social consequences, including reputational damage and isolation.

However, awareness declined when it came to other forms of harm. About 55% associated digital abuse with economic consequences, while only 51% recognized the potential for physical escalation. The findings suggest that many people still underestimate how digital abuse can spill into real-world safety concerns and long-term well-being.

Among victims, 42% said they became more cautious online following their experience. Seventeen percent reduced their digital presence, while 11% limited communication with friends or family members. Around 10% ended a relationship due to the abuse. In more severe cases, 4% reported losing or leaving their jobs, and 3% dropped out of school.

Many Victims Still Do Not Seek Help

Kaspersky’s findings also revealed a concerning level of inaction among victims and witnesses.

Twenty-two percent of victims took no action after experiencing technology-facilitated abuse, a figure that rose to 37% among Baby Boomers. Among people who witnessed abuse happening to someone they knew, 12% also did nothing.

The research found that this inaction often stems from uncertainty rather than indifference. About 32% of witnesses said they did not know how to help, while 23% were unsure whether intervening would be appropriate.

“The data shows a troubling disconnect,” said Tatyana Shishkova, Lead Security Researcher and Acting Head of Research Center Americas & Europe at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team. “People recognize the emotional pain of digital abuse but still underestimate how far its consequences can reach into careers, education, and real-world relationships.”

Recognizing Digital Abuse as a Real-World Issue

Dr. Leonie Maria Tanczer, Associate Professor at UCL Computer Science and Head of the Gender and Tech Research Lab, said technology-facilitated abuse often remains difficult to identify and can become normalized within digital environments. She noted that meaningful change depends on individuals recognizing harmful behaviors and taking them seriously before they escalate.

Kaspersky encourages individuals to recognize the signs of technology-facilitated abuse, take early action, strengthen digital security measures, seek support from trusted people and organizations, and offer assistance to those experiencing abuse.

As digital platforms continue to shape everyday life, the report underscores an important reality: abuse that begins online can have profound and lasting consequences offline. Raising awareness and improving access to support may be key to helping victims seek assistance before digital harm escalates into wider personal and social impacts.