Domestic Violence and Technology-Facilitated Abuse Case
Sports coach Paul Thijssen brutally murdered his ex-girlfriend, 21-year-old Lilie James, in a school bathroom on October 25, 2023, after exhibiting controlling behaviors, including obsessive digital surveillance and sharing intimate images without consent. An inquest revealed the murder was rooted in domestic violence, prompting calls for urgent action against technology-facilitated abuse and recommendations for screening tools to identify risks of intimate partner homicide. Experts emphasized the normalization of such abusive behaviors among youth and the need for education on healthy relationships, particularly for young men. The case highlights the critical importance of addressing digital harassment and coercive control in preventing future violence.
