Spaceless violence : women's experiences of technology-facilitated domestic violence in regional, rural and remote areas

Abstract

This project explored the impact of technology on victim-survivors of intimate partner violence in regional, rural or remote areas who are socially or geographically isolated. Specifically, it considered the ways that perpetrators use technology to abuse and stalk women, and how technology is used by victim-survivors to seek information, support and safety. Interviews and focus groups with 13 women were conducted in regional, rural and remote Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The findings showed that perpetrators used technology to control and intimidate women and their children. While this impacted women and children's lives in significant ways, causing fear and isolation, the use of technology was often not viewed as a serious form of abuse by justice agents.