As Technology Evolves, so Does Domestic Violence: Modern-Day Tech Abuse and Possible Solutions

Abstract

The reality of domestic violence does not disappear when people enter the digital world, as abusers may use technology to stalk, exploit, and control their victims. In this chapter, we discuss three unique types of technological abuse: (1) financial abuse via banking websites and apps; (2) abuse via smart home devices (i.e., "Internet of Things" abuse); and (3) stalking via geolocation or GPS. We also argue pregnancy and wellness apps provide an opportunity for meaningful intervention for pregnant victims of domestic violence.While there is no way to ensure users' safety in all situations, we argue thoughtful considerations while designing and building digital products can result in meaningful contributions to victims' safety. This chapter concludes with PenzeyMoog's (2020) "Framework for Inclusive Safety," which is a roadmap for building technology that increases the safety of domestic violence survivors. This framework includes three key points: (1) the importance of educating technologists about domestic violence; (2) the importance of identifying possible abuse situations and designing against them; and (3) identifying user interactions that might signal abuse and offering safe interventions.

Problematic Issues of Prevention of Criminal Violence in the Sphere of Family and Domestic Relations

“…Another type of domestic violence that has been enhanced by technology is financial abuse by gaining control over the victim's finances or limiting their access to their own financial resources, as well as exploiting the victim's financial resources. As an example of control over victims of domestic violence, the use of "smart home" systems is also given by including remote control of household appliances, security systems, or even the use of voice assistants to monitor and pursue their victims (PenzeyMoog & Slakoff, 2021). Recognizing the seriousness of this problem, leading companies around the world are starting to use the concept of inclusive safety, which encourages them to take a proactive stance in the fight against the use of digital tools to combat domestic violence.…”

Perpetrator Perceptions on the Emotions and Motivations Driving Technology-Facilitated Abuse in Relationships: A Story Completion Study

“…Recognition that the features, functions, and management of technologies can at times contribute to or enable TAR is central to developing principles and infrastructure that limit the harmful use of technology. In other words, investment in efforts to minimize or stop harm through safety by design approaches is needed ( PenzeyMoog & Slakoff, 2021 ). So too are technology-mediated mechanisms that interrupt the potentially harmful behavioral patterns of perpetrators.…”

“…Insights into the psychological processes that lead to the enactment of TAR are needed to facilitate the development of primary prevention initiatives and guide the work of agencies that deliver perpetrator behavior change programs. Furthermore, an understanding of the tactics, ethos, and drivers of TAR is also vital to advancing “safety by design,” the principles and infrastructure that limit how technology can be co-opted ( PenzeyMoog & Slakoff, 2021 ). Addressing this gap, the aim of this study is to advance the limited knowledge of the emotions and motivations that may influence an individual to engage in TAR, from the perpetrator perspective.…”

Characterizing the Differences in Descriptions of Violence on Reddit During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…IPV in the US cuts across all genders, races, and social classes (Petrosky et al, 2017) and includes physical, financial, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse (Larsen, 2016). As technology has evolved, other forms of violence have been characterized, such as coercive control and tech-facilitated violence or cyberviolence (PenzeyMoog & Slakoff, 2021). Based on these two definitions, researchers have argued that DV is a broader term that includes IPV, elder abuse, and child abuse in a family setting or cohabitation setting involving physical violence, sexual violence, and/or emotional violence (Boserup et al, 2020), whereas IPV represents physical violence, sexual violence, or emotional violence that occurs within the family, between intimate partners in cohabitation or non-cohabitation relationships.…”