Project

Digital partner violence in Belgium: A study of victims and professionals on prevalence, impact and coping.

Code
160B03423
Duration
01 September 2023 → 30 August 2024
Funding
Federal funding: various
Promotor
Research disciplines
  • Social sciences
    • Causes and prevention of crime
    • Safety, prevention and police
Keywords
Partner violence victims digital relationships police
 
Project description

This study focuses on how digital media can be misused in initiating a relationship (in online communication in general and dating sites/apps in particular). Next, the study zooms in on how digital media can be used in an established partner relationship to harm the partner. Finally, the study focuses on relationship dissolution and the role of digital media at this stage and the time after the relationship ends. Different forms of violence are investigated, as well as the consequences this had according to the victim, which coping mechanisms were used, possible reporting behaviour, and how an appeal was made to the personal social network and possible professional help. We also gauge the specific needs of victims with regard to support when they are the target of digital partner violence. A mixed-method design is used: a survey study and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with victims, social workers and police and justice services.