Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on responses to technology-facilitated coercive control

Person using a mobile phone
Abstract

Perpetrators of domestic and family violence are increasingly using advancements in communication and surveillance technologies to extend the tactics of their abuse. Concern is growing, particularly about how technologies enable and amplify coercive controlling behaviours of abusive partners.

This paper examines the experiences of victim-survivors, and the challenges support services face, responding to these harms in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown restrictions. The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to ongoing gaps in responses to victim-survivors of technology-facilitated coercive control.

References