Warning: This story contains first-hand accounts of domestic abuse.
COVID has forced a lot of our face-to-face interactions online including medical appointments and health platforms.
New research shows these digital systems are being hijacked and used as weapons for domestic abuse.
And despite having the most contact with victims the health sector is responsible for less than 1 percent of referrals to Women's Refuge.
Leila, Peyton and Bianca all share a similar story.
"My boyfriend was older and told me he was 'helping me' by accessing all my online accounts," Leila says.
"My boyfriend insisted on having my password to Manage My Health. He was an intimidating guy and there was this undercurrent of violence so I couldn't say no. If I said anything to my doctor he would see it," Peyton says.
"He went onto my laptop while I was sleeping and logged into any online accounts he could. I only found out later," Bianca adds.
They're among ten women who took part in research by Women's Refuge and the Ministry of Health which found online health platforms were being weaponised as a tool for domestic violence. Dr Natalie Thorburn has seen many examples of it.
"One of them had her allergy listed on her digital notes and that was then used to make her vulnerable by causing her harm," she says.
"They used the 'email my GP' function to communicate with their GP to create a false narrative that would forever stay on their file.
"Things like cervical smears for instance often lead to accusations of being unfaithful and that's used to justify further violence against them."
With online health platforms easily accessed by anyone, Dr Thorburn says doctor-patient confidentiality soon became a myth for these women. And health records were used to blackmail, discredit, control and abuse victims.
"Anything they can access on their devices, their perpetrators can too," Dr Thorburn says.
GPs do get what's called 'red flag' training but Women's Refuge wants them and the Ministry of Health to be aware of this new form of abuse.
"They are seeing the women we see and they're seeing more of them and it's not being identified," Dr Ang Jury says.
"Therefore it makes sense for the GPs to think of it as a likelihood rather than a rarity as they seem to at the moment."
"That can start with a really simple question of 'are you comfortable with what I'm recording, do you have any concerns of anyone else accessing your digital health and Manage My Health account?'" Dr Thorburn adds.
Because women like Leila, Peyton and Bianca need to be able to report their abuse and get help.
But that won't work if their abusers can get their hands on those records.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
