Technology-Facilitated Domestic Violence Against Immigrant and Refugee Women: A Qualitative Study. Issue 13 (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Henry, Nicola; Vasil, Stefani; Flynn, Asher; Kellard, Karen; Mortreux, Colette
• Other Names: Kaufman Keith L. guest-editor.; Lee David S. guest-editor.; Milroy Jeffrey J. guest-editor.; Raj Anita guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of interpersonal violence. Volume 37:Issue 13/14(2022)
• Page Start: NP12634
• Page End: NP12660
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: immigrant and refugee women -- domestic violence -- intimate partner violence -- technology-facilitated abuse -- intersectionality; Violence -- Periodicals; Sex crimes -- Periodicals; Violence -- Périodiques; Crimes sexuels -- Périodiques; 364.15
• DOI: 10.1177/08862605211001465
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0886-2605

Abstract

Digital technologies are increasingly being used as tools for the perpetration of domestic violence. Little empirical research to date has explored the nature and impacts of technology-facilitated domestic violence (TFDV), and even less attention has been paid to the experiences of immigrant and refugee women. This article examines the nature and impacts of TFDV as experienced by immigrant and refugee women. Drawing on interviews with 29 victim-survivors and 20 stakeholders, we argue that although immigrant and refugee women may experience TFDV in similar ways to non-immigrant and refugee women, they face unique challenges, such as language barriers, cultural bias from support services, lack of financial resources, lack of trust in state institutions, and additional challenges with justice and migration systems. Immigrant and refugee women also face multiple structural layers of oppression and social inequality. Accordingly, we argue that a multifaceted approach is required to address TFDV that includes culturally sensitive and specific law reform, education, and training.