TECHNOLOGY-FACILITATED ABUSE IN DOMESTIC RELATIONSHIP ‘A GROWING THREAT TO WOMEN’

Abstract

Trend to use digital and communication technology for controlling and abusing life partner in 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, spy-ware and other tracking devices are few examples of digital abuse. Such type of abuse of technological means can be referred as ‘technology-facilitated’ abuse.