Exploring the Impact of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Its Relationship with Domestic Violence: A Qualitative Study on Experts' Perceptions. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fiolet, Renee; Brown, Cynthia; Wellington, Molly; Bentley, Karen; Hegarty, Kelsey
• Is Part Of: Global qualitative nursing research. Volume 8(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: domestic violence -- technology-facilitated abuse -- qualitative research -- coercive control -- social media -- Australia; Nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Nursing Research; Qualitative Research; Nursing -- Research; Qualitative research; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/23333936211028176
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2333-3936

Abstract

Technology-facilitated abuse can be a serious form of domestic violence. Little is known about the relationship between technology-facilitated abuse and other types of domestic violence, or the impact technology-facilitated abuse has on survivors. The aim of this interpretative descriptive study is to understand domestic violence specialist service providers' perspectives on the impact of technology-facilitated abuse, and the link between technology-facilitated abuse and other forms of domestic violence. A qualitative approach using 15 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with Australian domestic violence specialist practitioners, and three themes were identified through data coding using inductive thematic analysis. Another form of control describes technology-facilitated abuse behaviors as enacting controlling behaviors using new mediums. Amplifies level of fear characterizes the impact of technology-facilitated abuse. A powerful tool to engage others describes opportunities technology offers perpetrators to abuse through engaging others. Findings highlight technology-facilitated abuse's complexity and integral role in domestic violence and can assist clinicians to understand the impact and harm that can result from technology-facilitated abuse.