This article examines the emerging issue of technology-facilitated domestic violence, particularly Digital Coercive Control (DCC), and its impact on social work and other service providers in a study by Delanie Woodlock, Mandy McKenzie, Deborah Western and Bridget Harris (2020). The study involved a survey of 546 Australian domestic violence practitioners, exploring the methods and impacts of technology misuse by perpetrators.
The key findings of the study are:
Widespread use of technology in domestic violence: Almost all survey participants (98%) indicated they had worked with clients subjected to DCC. Perpetrators commonly used mobile phone text messaging, Facebook, email, and GPS tracking via smartphone apps to monitor, harass, and control their victims.
Significant impacts of DCC on victims: Three major themes emerged from the analysis of practitioner observations:
Omnipresence: Technology enables perpetrators to create a constant sense of presence, leading to feelings of entrapment and anxiety among victims. They feel monitored around the clock, leading to hypervigilance and exhaustion.
Isolation and Ostracism: Perpetrators use technology to isolate victims by controlling their access to communication channels and threatening to release private information. This can lead to victims withdrawing from social connections and support networks.
Additional risks for specific cohorts: Certain groups, like women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, women with disabilities, and Aboriginal women, face heightened risks due to their reliance on technology for communication and community connection.
DCC complicates service provision: The constant nature and extended reach of DCC pose challenges for service providers. Practitioners highlighted unintended consequences, such as victim-blaming when women are pressured to disconnect from technology to enhance their safety. Disconnecting from technology may not always be a viable or safe option for women, especially those who rely on it for essential communication and support.
The article advocates for:
Recognising DCC as a distinct form of violence: The study underscores the seriousness and unique impacts of DCC, urging its recognition as a serious form of domestic violence.
Adopting a survivor-led approach: Safety planning should be survivor-led, involving women in decision-making processes and respecting their choices regarding technology use. Practitioners should provide non-judgemental support and avoid pressuring women to disconnect from technology without considering individual circumstances and risks.
Providing specialised training for practitioners: Australia-wide training programs focused on technology and domestic violence are crucial to equip practitioners with the necessary knowledge and skills to support victims effectively. Training should address the specific risks faced by diverse groups of women.
How This Article Can Inform Practitioners
This article offers valuable insights for practitioners working with victims of domestic violence by:
Highlighting the prevalence and impact of DCC: The study emphasizes the widespread use of technology for abusive purposes, raising awareness among practitioners about the unique challenges posed by DCC.
Promoting survivor-led safety planning: The article advocates for empowering victims by involving them in decision-making and respecting their autonomy in navigating technology use.
Emphasizing the need for specialized training: The study calls for comprehensive training programs to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to address DCC effectively and support victims experiencing technology-facilitated abuse.
Woodlock, D., McKenzie, M., Western, D., & Harris, B. (2020). Technology as a Weapon in Domestic Violence: Responding to Digital Coercive Control. Australian Social Work, 73(3), 368–380. https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2019.1607510
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