Author: Matthew Miller

Brief Overview

• The Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter (NBWS) is seeking assistance to tackle technology-enabled abuse against women.
• NBWS points out the difficulties in identifying cyber abuse due to its multifaceted nature.
• Partnering with tech organizations like N-Able IT is essential for developing cybersecurity and training for staff.
• Protecting the sensitive information of residents and donors is a primary focus for NBWS.
• For case management and data safety, NBWS utilizes Infoxchange.
• Technological knowledge is incorporated into the NBWS Board for effective governance.
• Since 2010, NBWS has grown, now providing four services and five houses to assist women and children.

Technology as an Opportunity and a Risk

The Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter (NBWS) is leading the charge in confronting an escalating issue—technology-facilitated and cyber abuse. This concern has become increasingly common among women seeking assistance from the organization.

Challenges in Recognizing Cyber Abuse

CEO Narelle Hand highlights the difficulties in detecting technology-facilitated abuse due to its complicated nature. Victims may suspect digital monitoring, but substantiating such allegations is often challenging. This intricacy calls for specialized skills and outside support to assist these women effectively.

Developing Digital Proficiency

NBWS collaborates with technology partners like N-Able IT to bolster cybersecurity initiatives and staff training. By implementing the latest security software, NBWS guarantees that their staff and the women they support are well-guarded in the online environment.

Emphasizing Data Safety

Data safety is essential for NBWS, protecting the information of at-risk women, donors, and the organization itself. Hand underscores the significance of both legal and ethical obligations in safeguarding this sensitive information. NBWS uses Infoxchange for secure case management and vigilantly oversees donor data with their IT security team.

Incorporating Tech Expertise in Leadership

Understanding the significance of tech knowledge, NBWS integrates technological skills into its Board. This strategic decision ensures the organization stays abreast of industry developments and can make informed decisions to improve its operations and governance.

NBWS’s Development and Influence

Since its establishment in 2010, NBWS has significantly expanded from providing crisis services to offering various support through four services and five houses. This growth reflects the shelter’s dedication to uplifting women and children in need.

Conclusion

NBWS is actively working to counter technology-enabled abuse through enhanced digital capabilities, strategic collaborations, and strong data protection practices. Their commitment to integrating technology into governance and broadening support services showcases their determination to safeguard and empower vulnerable women.

Q: What constitutes technology-enabled abuse?

A: Technology-enabled abuse refers to the use of digital tools to harass, track, or control individuals, particularly in contexts of domestic violence.

Q: How is NBWS tackling technology-enabled abuse?

A: NBWS collaborates with tech firms for cybersecurity training and implements advanced software to safeguard and assist women facing such abuse.

Q: Why is data protection important for NBWS?

A: Safeguarding sensitive data is crucial for ensuring the safety and confidentiality of at-risk women and sustaining donor confidence.

Q: What is the significance of technology on NBWS’s Board?

A: Having tech expertise on the Board promotes informed decision-making and effective governance in addressing contemporary challenges.

Q: How has NBWS evolved since its founding?

A: From its beginnings as a crisis service in 2010, NBWS has grown to provide four services and run five houses to assist women and children.