Technology-Based Abuse: Intimate Partner Violence and the Use of Information Communication Technologies

Information communication technologies (ICTs) are changing the way people experience intimate relationships (Fox and Rainie, Pew Research Center, February 2014, “The Web at 25.” Available at http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/02/25/the-web-at-25-in-the-u-s, 2014). However, research literature exploring the impact of ICTs on the abuse experiences of victim-survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) is minimal. Using a feminist lens, which focuses on gender-based violence, this chapter examines how IPV victims-survivors face unique online problems. Studies show women experience intimate partner violence through technology, but also rely on ICT to find support outside the relationship. These findings indicate that IPV victim-survivors experiences of technology-based abuse are related to other forms of gender-based violence and, anecdotally, have been linked with stalking and homicide. Four specific forms of online abuses are described-monitoring, cyberstalking, harassment, and humiliation.