This article by Delanie Woodlock explores the rising use of technology to facilitate stalking and abuse in domestic violence situations. Drawing on data from the SmartSafe study, conducted by the Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV) in Australia, the article highlights the ways in which perpetrators exploit technology to exert control, intimidation, and harassment over their victims. The study involved online surveys of 152 domestic violence workers and 46 women who had experienced intimate partner stalking.
Key findings:
Widespread use of technology in domestic violence: The study revealed that technology, including smartphones, mobile phones, and social media platforms like Facebook, are commonly used by perpetrators to stalk and abuse women. Text messaging emerged as the most common form of technology-facilitated abuse.
Coercive control: The article draws on Stark's (2007) theory of coercive control to frame technology-facilitated abuse as a tactic that extends beyond physical violence to include a range of strategies aimed at controlling and intimidating victims.
Sense of omnipresence: Perpetrators use technology to create a sense of constant presence in the victim's life, leading to feelings of entrapment and anxiety. This is achieved through persistent texting, phone calls, and GPS tracking, eroding the victim's sense of safety and privacy.
Isolation and punishment: Perpetrators use technology to isolate victims from their support systems by harassing friends and family, spreading rumours, and publicly shaming them on social media. This isolation can have significant impacts on the victim's mental health and wellbeing.
Humiliation and sexualized abuse: The study found that perpetrators use technology to punish and humiliate victims, often in sexualized ways. This includes sharing private photographs or videos without consent (non-consensual sexting), posting negative information on social media, and making threats via text or online platforms.
How this article can inform practitioners:
This article provides valuable insights for practitioners working with victims of domestic violence:
Understanding the evolving tactics of abuse: The article highlights the ways in which technology is being used to facilitate stalking and abuse, equipping practitioners with knowledge to better identify and address technology-facilitated abuse in their work with victims.
Recognizing the impact of technology-facilitated abuse: The article sheds light on the significant psychological and social impacts of technology-facilitated stalking and abuse, emphasizing the importance of providing appropriate support and resources to victims who may be experiencing fear, isolation, and humiliation as a result of these tactics.
Developing effective safety planning strategies: By understanding the specific ways in which technology is used by perpetrators, practitioners can work collaboratively with victims to develop safety plans that address the unique challenges of technology-facilitated abuse. This may include assisting victims in managing their online privacy settings, identifying safe communication channels, and navigating the complex legal and social implications of technology-facilitated abuse.
Woodlock, D. (2017). The Abuse of Technology in Domestic Violence and Stalking. Violence Against Women, 23(5), 584–602. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801216646277
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