{"id":313,"date":"2026-02-04T11:10:30","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T16:10:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=313"},"modified":"2026-04-27T19:16:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T23:16:34","slug":"rec","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/chapter\/rec\/","title":{"raw":"Chapter 11: Recognizing that TFGBV is Happening to a Loved One","rendered":"Chapter 11: Recognizing that TFGBV is Happening to a Loved One"},"content":{"raw":"<p style=\"text-align: right\"><a id=\"quick-exit-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/google.ca\" title=\"Quick Exit\">EXIT SITE<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n<h1>Chapter 11: Recognizing that TFGBV is Happening to a Loved One<\/h1>\r\nAs a <strong>caregiver, family member, or partner<\/strong>, you play an important role in noticing early signs that something is wrong. This chapter helps you understand <strong>what TFGBV can look like in a loved one\u2019s behaviour, emotions, and daily life<\/strong>. These signs do not prove that abuse is happening, but they can help you recognize when someone may need support, safety, or a gentle conversation.\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Learning Objectives<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Recognize emotional, psychological, and behavioural signs that may show a loved one is experiencing online harassment or digital control<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Learn how to notice changes that signal discomfort, fear, or loss of digital independence<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Understand how TFGBV can affect a person\u2019s wellbeing, routines, and relationships<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\nTech\u2011facilitated gender\u2011based violence can be difficult to see from the outside. Many people who experience digital abuse do not talk about it right away. They may feel confused, ashamed, or unsure if what is happening \u201ccounts\u201d as violence.\r\n\r\nThey may also rely on the person causing harm for support, care, or daily needs, which can make it even harder to speak up.\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n<h1>How Do You Know If Someone You Care About Might Be Experiencing TFGBV?<\/h1>\r\nSurvivors often show signs in their feelings or behaviour long before they name the situation as abuse. You may notice changes in how they act, how they use technology, or how they talk about their online experiences.\r\n\r\nThese signs are not proof on their own, but they are <strong>signals that something deserves attention.<\/strong>\u00a0They likely warrant a bigger conversation, where you ask about their safety.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_714\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"595\"]<img src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-21.png\" alt=\"A warning symbol (exclamation mark in a yellow triangle) is over an image of a person sitting in the corner, looking afraid. A text box says: &quot;What are the warning signs?&quot;\" width=\"595\" height=\"335\" class=\"wp-image-714\" \/> Recognizing the warning signs of TFGBV in your loved one is important to being able to act quickly and support them.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n<h2>Emotional and Psychological Signs<\/h2>\r\nThink about how your loved one has been feeling lately. Have you noticed shifts in their mood, confidence, or comfort with technology? These changes may be connected to TFGBV. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>Possible signs might include:<\/strong><\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Sudden anxiety when messages or notifications appear<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Nervousness about posting online or checking accounts<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Embarrassment or shame about something happening online<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Blaming themselves for someone else\u2019s harmful behaviour<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Feeling watched or monitored, even when alone<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Confusion because the person harming them also claims to be \u201chelping\u201d<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThese emotional shifts often appear before a survivor is ready to talk about what is happening.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/01\/Untitled-design.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"612\" height=\"344\" class=\"wp-image-417 aligncenter\" \/>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n<h2>Behavioural and Daily Life Signs<\/h2>\r\nPeople sometimes change their routines to protect themselves. These changes can be subtle or sudden. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>You may notice the following signs:<\/strong><\/span>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><span style=\"font-size: 1em\">Avoiding certain apps, platforms, or devices<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Deleting posts or changing how they communicate<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Trouble sleeping, concentrating, or enjoying activities<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Withdrawing from friends, family, or online communities<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Repeatedly changing passwords or checking devices for tampering<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Feeling pressure to respond immediately to messages<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThese behaviours can be signs that someone feels unsafe or is being harassed or abused online. <strong>TFGBV affects a survivor's sense of safety, privacy, and control.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThese feelings often show up in the body and in daily habits long before someone names the situation as abuse. Recognising these early signs can help you offer support in a gentle and non\u2011judgmental way.\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-10.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"629\" height=\"354\" class=\"wp-image-588 aligncenter\" \/>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n<!--StartFragment -->\r\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\"><header class=\"textbox__header\">\r\n<p class=\"textbox__title\" style=\"text-align: center\">Reflection<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/header>\r\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Which of these signs have you witnessed before, if any?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>How would you approach a survivor after witnessing some of these warning signs? If you're not sure, then don't worry! <strong>We'll discuss this in the <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/chapter\/chapter-9-talking-about-tfgbv-and-providing-support\/\">next chapter<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<!--EndFragment -->\r\n\r\n<!--EndFragment -->","rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: right\"><a id=\"quick-exit-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/google.ca\" title=\"Quick Exit\">EXIT SITE<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1>Chapter 11: Recognizing that TFGBV is Happening to a Loved One<\/h1>\n<p>As a <strong>caregiver, family member, or partner<\/strong>, you play an important role in noticing early signs that something is wrong. This chapter helps you understand <strong>what TFGBV can look like in a loved one\u2019s behaviour, emotions, and daily life<\/strong>. These signs do not prove that abuse is happening, but they can help you recognize when someone may need support, safety, or a gentle conversation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--learning-objectives\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\">Learning Objectives<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<ul>\n<li>Recognize emotional, psychological, and behavioural signs that may show a loved one is experiencing online harassment or digital control<\/li>\n<li>Learn how to notice changes that signal discomfort, fear, or loss of digital independence<\/li>\n<li>Understand how TFGBV can affect a person\u2019s wellbeing, routines, and relationships<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Tech\u2011facilitated gender\u2011based violence can be difficult to see from the outside. Many people who experience digital abuse do not talk about it right away. They may feel confused, ashamed, or unsure if what is happening \u201ccounts\u201d as violence.<\/p>\n<p>They may also rely on the person causing harm for support, care, or daily needs, which can make it even harder to speak up.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1>How Do You Know If Someone You Care About Might Be Experiencing TFGBV?<\/h1>\n<p>Survivors often show signs in their feelings or behaviour long before they name the situation as abuse. You may notice changes in how they act, how they use technology, or how they talk about their online experiences.<\/p>\n<p>These signs are not proof on their own, but they are <strong>signals that something deserves attention.<\/strong>\u00a0They likely warrant a bigger conversation, where you ask about their safety.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_714\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-714\" style=\"width: 595px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-21.png\" alt=\"A warning symbol (exclamation mark in a yellow triangle) is over an image of a person sitting in the corner, looking afraid. A text box says: &quot;What are the warning signs?&quot;\" width=\"595\" height=\"335\" class=\"wp-image-714\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-21.png 1920w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-21-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-21-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-21-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-21-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-21-65x37.png 65w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-21-225x127.png 225w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-21-350x197.png 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 595px) 100vw, 595px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-714\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Recognizing the warning signs of TFGBV in your loved one is important to being able to act quickly and support them.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Emotional and Psychological Signs<\/h2>\n<p>Think about how your loved one has been feeling lately. Have you noticed shifts in their mood, confidence, or comfort with technology? These changes may be connected to TFGBV. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>Possible signs might include:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sudden anxiety when messages or notifications appear<\/li>\n<li>Nervousness about posting online or checking accounts<\/li>\n<li>Embarrassment or shame about something happening online<\/li>\n<li>Blaming themselves for someone else\u2019s harmful behaviour<\/li>\n<li>Feeling watched or monitored, even when alone<\/li>\n<li>Confusion because the person harming them also claims to be \u201chelping\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These emotional shifts often appear before a survivor is ready to talk about what is happening.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/01\/Untitled-design.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"612\" height=\"344\" class=\"wp-image-417 aligncenter\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Behavioural and Daily Life Signs<\/h2>\n<p>People sometimes change their routines to protect themselves. These changes can be subtle or sudden. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline\"><strong>You may notice the following signs:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 1em\">Avoiding certain apps, platforms, or devices<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Deleting posts or changing how they communicate<\/li>\n<li>Trouble sleeping, concentrating, or enjoying activities<\/li>\n<li>Withdrawing from friends, family, or online communities<\/li>\n<li>Repeatedly changing passwords or checking devices for tampering<\/li>\n<li>Feeling pressure to respond immediately to messages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These behaviours can be signs that someone feels unsafe or is being harassed or abused online. <strong>TFGBV affects a survivor&#8217;s sense of safety, privacy, and control.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>These feelings often show up in the body and in daily habits long before someone names the situation as abuse. Recognising these early signs can help you offer support in a gentle and non\u2011judgmental way.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-10.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"629\" height=\"354\" class=\"wp-image-588 aligncenter\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-10.png 1920w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-10-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-10-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-10-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-10-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-10-65x37.png 65w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-10-225x127.png 225w, https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/450\/2026\/02\/a-10-350x197.png 350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 629px) 100vw, 629px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><!--StartFragment --><\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox textbox--key-takeaways\">\n<header class=\"textbox__header\">\n<p class=\"textbox__title\" style=\"text-align: center\">Reflection<\/p>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"textbox__content\">\n<ul>\n<li>Which of these signs have you witnessed before, if any?<\/li>\n<li>How would you approach a survivor after witnessing some of these warning signs? If you&#8217;re not sure, then don&#8217;t worry! <strong>We&#8217;ll discuss this in the <a href=\"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/chapter\/chapter-9-talking-about-tfgbv-and-providing-support\/\">next chapter<\/a>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--EndFragment --><\/p>\n<p><!--EndFragment --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":554,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"","pb_short_title":"Chapter 10: Recognizing that TFGBV is Happening","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[48],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-313","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","chapter-type-standard"],"part":28,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/313","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/554"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=313"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/313\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1054,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/313\/revisions\/1054"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/28"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/313\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=313"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=313"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=313"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/tfgbvsafetytraining\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=313"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}