Understanding Technology‑Facilitated Abuse in Ireland
Technology‑facilitated abuse (TFA) refers to the use of digital tools—text messaging, social media, email, and other online platforms—to harass, threaten, or manipulate a target. In Ireland, the rise of smartphones and ubiquitous connectivity has accelerated the prevalence of TFA, creating new challenges for law enforcement, educators, and community organisations. As a result, there is a growing demand for professionals who can identify the signs of abuse, offer support to survivors, and implement prevention strategies.
The TFA Digital Badge: A Ground‑Breaking Credential
On May 2024, University College Cork (UCC) announced the launch of Ireland’s first digital badge focused on recognising and responding to technology‑facilitated abuse. The badge is more than a visual symbol; it encodes a set of verified competencies that include:
- Understanding legal frameworks and reporting mechanisms for online abuse.
- Assessing digital footprints and identifying warning signs in different platforms.
- Applying safe‑practice guidelines for survivors and support workers.
- Utilising technical tools—screen‑recorders, call‑logs, and data‑analysis—to gather evidence.
- Collaborating with law‑enforcement and mental‑health professionals within a multidisciplinary response plan.
Nearly 120 individuals have already completed the programme, achieving a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands‑on practical experience.
Cross‑Sector Collaboration that Drives Impact
Academic‑Industry Partnership: UCC, Safe Ireland, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise
UCC’s Information Technology Services and the IT Inclusivity Team, led by Rosie Coffey, joined forces with the School of Applied Social Studies, headed by Dr. Shirley Martin, to design the curriculum. The course was shaped with input from industry leaders at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), ensuring that technical modules reflect current market tools and standards.
Advocacy and International Support: Safe Ireland and the Australian eSafety Commission
Liaising with Safe Ireland, an organisation that specialises in online safety, provided real‑world case studies and survivor perspectives. International collaboration came from the Australian eSafety Commission, whose best‑practice frameworks were adapted for the Irish context, thereby raising the global standard for digital‑badge programmes.
Policy Influence: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Irish Government
The TFA Digital Badge has already been showcased in policy discussions with the UNFPA, reinforcing its relevance in global gender equality and digital safety agendas. Within Ireland, the badge aligns with national cyber‑safety strategies and helps meet the data‑privacy expectations outlined by the Data Protection Commission.
Implementation and Resources
The badge programme blends online modules with practical workshops. Resources include:
- Digital booklets – available at Safe Ireland’s site – offering step‑by‑step guides.
- Over 80 explainer videos that cover common abuse scenarios and response tactics.
- Online training sessions delivered via Zoom, featuring live Q&As and scenario‑based role‑playing.
- A dedicated UCC portal that houses all learning materials and evidence submission forms.
The programme also runs a billboard campaign in collaboration with Cyber Skills, effectively raising public awareness across Cork city and neighbouring regions.
Achievements and Recognition
The significance of the TFA Digital Badge was recognised at the 24th ITAG Awards in Galway on March 28, 2025. Out of 18 award categories, the badge secured the “IT in the Community” award, underscoring its social impact. This accolade highlights UCC’s commitment to employing technology for community welfare and the strength of its collaborative model.
Who Can Enrol and How to Get Started?
The badge is open to a wide range of professionals: university staff, public‑sector workers, NGO volunteers, and students in social sciences, IT, or public‑health programmes. Whether you are a frontline worker in a crisis helpline or a teacher looking to integrate digital safety into your curriculum, the programme equips you with actionable skills.
To enrol, visit the UCC portal cited above and complete the short application form. Once accepted, you will receive a structured learning path and a timeline for module completion. The training is self‑paced but includes periodic live sessions to foster peer discussion.
Benefits for Your Organisation and the Wider Community
By adopting the TFA Digital Badge, organisations can:
- Elevate staff readiness to spot and respond to online abuse.
- Integrate a standardised response protocol across departments.
- Showcase a commitment to digital safety, enhancing public trust and potential funding opportunities.
- Contribute to community resilience, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young people, women, and the elderly.
Future Directions and Continuous Improvement
Building on current success, UCC plans to refine the badge’s curriculum to align with emerging technologies—artificial intelligence‑driven surveillance, deepfakes, and encrypted messaging apps. The university will also expand the partnership network to include more industry players in cybersecurity, ensuring that the badge stays current with best practices and regulatory updates.
Feedback loops are in place: badge holders submit anonymous surveys and discuss their real‑world challenges during annual seminars. These insights feed directly into the next iteration of the programme, making it a living, evolving resource.
Take Action: Join the Movement for Safer Digital Spaces
Ready to enhance your skill set and protect your community from technology‑facilitated abuse? Explore the TFA Digital Badge programme today and start your journey toward a safer, more informed digital environment.
Want to discuss how this badge can benefit your organisation? Contact the IT Services helpdesk for further information.
Share your experiences or questions in the comments below, and join our growing community of digital‑safety advocates.
For more updates on UCC news and upcoming programmes, visit our latest news page regularly.
