This post explores a research article titled "‘Living in the Darkness’: Technology-Facilitated Coercive Control, Disenfranchised Grief, and Institutional Betrayal" by Delanie Woodlock, Michael Salter, Molly Dragiewicz, and Bridget Harris. The authors examine the impact of technology-facilitated coercive control (TFCC) on women's emotional well-being, arguing that the invisibility of this form of abuse often leads to disenfranchised grief and institutional betrayal.
The Nature and Impact of TFCC
TFCC refers to the use of technology by perpetrators of domestic violence to exert control and abuse over their partners or ex-partners. The article emphasizes that TFCC extends and amplifies existing forms of non-physical abuse, enabling perpetrators to:
Surveil and monitor their victims: Perpetrators can use GPS tracking, unauthorized account access, and video surveillance to maintain a constant presence in their victims' lives, even from a distance.
Harass and intimidate: Abusive text messages, emails, and social media posts can create a climate of fear and anxiety for victims, limiting their freedom and autonomy.
Isolate and control victims: Perpetrators can use technology to manipulate victims' social networks, spread misinformation, and restrict their access to support and resources.
The Emotional Toll: Disenfranchised Grief
The research highlights the profound emotional impact of TFCC on survivors, leading to experiences of grief and loss that are often unrecognized and unsupported by social institutions. The authors argue that this lack of acknowledgment results in disenfranchised grief, which is characterized by:
The misrecognition or denial of loss: TFCC often involves non-physical forms of abuse that are difficult to prove or quantify, leading to the dismissal and minimization of its harms by police, courts, and even some support services.
A lack of social support: The invisibility of TFCC can make it challenging for survivors to receive understanding and validation from their social networks, further isolating them and compounding their grief.
Responses characterized by disbelief, ridicule, and stigma: Survivors of TFCC may be blamed for the abuse, accused of overreacting, or told to simply "get over it," further invalidating their experiences and silencing their grief.
The article emphasizes that disenfranchised grief can have significant negative consequences for survivors' mental health and well-being, hindering their ability to heal and move forward from the abuse.
Institutional Betrayal: Amplifying the Harm
The authors argue that institutional betrayal plays a significant role in exacerbating the harms of TFCC and contributing to survivors' disenfranchised grief. Institutional betrayal occurs when institutions that are meant to protect and support victims fail to do so, further traumatizing them through:
Disbelief and minimization: Police and courts often lack understanding of the nature and impact of TFCC, dismissing survivors' reports as insignificant or unsubstantiated.
Blame and scrutiny: Survivors may be interrogated about their online behavior, accused of provoking the abuse, or held responsible for not taking adequate steps to protect themselves.
Inadequate responses: Legal and support systems may lack the resources or expertise to effectively address the unique challenges of TFCC, leaving survivors feeling helpless and abandoned.
This institutional betrayal can deepen survivors' sense of isolation, shame, and self-doubt, undermining their trust in systems of support and justice.
Key Insights for Practitioners
Here are three key ways the findings of this article can be used by practitioners who work with victims of TFCC:
Recognizing and Validating TFCC: Practitioners can develop a deep understanding of the various forms and impacts of TFCC, recognizing its potential for serious harm, even in the absence of physical violence. By validating survivors' experiences and acknowledging the legitimacy of their grief, practitioners can create a safe and supportive environment for healing.
Addressing Disenfranchised Grief: Practitioners can be equipped to identify and address the unique challenges of disenfranchised grief in the context of TFCC. This involves providing psychoeducation about disenfranchised grief, facilitating opportunities for survivors to express their grief, and connecting them with appropriate support networks and resources.
Challenging Institutional Betrayal: Practitioners can advocate for systemic change within legal and support systems to ensure that survivors of TFCC receive appropriate recognition and support. This involves promoting education and training for police, court personnel, and other professionals, as well as advocating for policies and resources that address the specific needs of TFCC survivors. By challenging institutional betrayal and promoting trauma-informed responses, practitioners can play a vital role in empowering survivors and fostering their healing and recovery.
For full access to this article contact the authors.
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