Technology-Facilitated Abuse In Domestic Relationships: ‘A Growing Threat To Women

Abstract

The trend to use digital and communication technology for controlling and abusing a life partner in a domestic relationship is rampant. Promotion of the ideas of patriarchy and gender stereotyping leads to violence against women in a family setup. Domestic violence against women is a serious issue worldwide. It is globally prevailing, deeply rooted and leaves serious impacts on women's health and well-being. Domestic violence, in its broadest sense, refers to abuse – physical, emotional, sexual, or financial – of one living partner by the other, often living in the same household. Abuse of networking platforms, applications meant for surveillance, spyware and other tracking devices are a few examples of digital abuse. This type of abuse of technological means can be referred to as ‘technology-facilitated’ abuse.