Why do they do that? An investigation into the perpetrator perspective of technology-facilitated abuse

Background

Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) is a form of controlling behaviour that involves the use of technology as a means to coerce, stalk or harass another person.

Research, policy and practice in this area is growing but has largely been focused on victim and survivor, advocate and practitioner perspectives and needs. There has been limited work engaging with perpetrators of all genders and this significant knowledge deficit hinders prevention of and responses to TFA.

Aim

This project aims to understand the motivations, tactics and strategies of perpetrators engaging in TFA. It will engage with perpetrators to better understand their drivers, motivations and tactics.

Methods

This project will undertake thematic analysis of data. The data will include online story completion and semi-structured interviews.

Significance

The insights and new evidence base from this work will be used to generate strategies to minimise TFA, including prevention resources for those escaping abuse, design guidelines for technology to minimise the possibility for abuse, effective preventative treatment for perpetrators, and policy guidelines for defining and managing TFA.

Funding Body

Melbourne Social Equity Institute

Project start date

April 2021

Expected completion date

April 2022