Technology: A weapon or shield for domestic violence.

With the everyday demand for technology in our lives, the mode of violence and abuse have also transformed with time. People are now quite familiar with the fact that there also exists an abuse of technology against people. For instance, monitoring the mobile or laptop with the help of spying applications or syncing the systems and information exchange somewhere in the background are the common and not too old methods to track the target's private activities. This is exactly where victim’s and the abuser’s roles are defined.

In this article, we will discuss whether the technology is supporting the victim or the abuser in cases of crimes and domestic violence. Before we begin, we need to understand that technology cannot function without the availability of the internet and the advanced the internet has become, the faster has become cyber communication. Hence, buying an internet package for some is more than just a commodity – its presence, as well as absence, leaves a huge impact.

Domestic violence takes place within a relationship, also known as household violence. It has been identified as one of the crucial problems by government and non-government organizations ever since it got noticed. Multiple violence against women acts have been issued by Congress to shield women against these heinous acts. When we compare the victims/abusers, usually women are subjected to such forms of violence, patriarchy being the main reason behind it. Women can be abusers as well; it is not clung to one gender. The common classification of domestic abuse include physical, emotional, sexual and neglect.

Women, however, are more prone to undergo physical injuries and harming their health; they take longer to heal compared to men in general. The statistics are saddening, where around 60% of Native American women have been physically attacked in their entire lifespan by their spouse. Some states have made homeless shelters along with 24x7 active helplines that a victim can use and take instant support. On the other side, non-profit organizations are already helping the victims through their action-oriented plans and engaged with fighting the stigma faced by victims as well as abusers.

Let’s further discuss how technology has been used as a tool to influence domestic violence:

• Mobile apps and websites can connect people with service providers and support groups. These people can be strangers or disguised as strangers who have strategically knows their potential targets, waiting for the right moment to attack. With countless advantages and ease that mobile apps and websites are bringing, this space can also be used for mal-intentions.
• Technology is bringing free access to services and people to potential violators in remote areas who can misuse it in a million innovative ways. On the flip side, the victims in remote areas, rural areas, or non-commercial areas can file online reports and know their rights as much as anyone born and raised in metropolitans. There are now online forums where people can discuss their issues with strangers, people who want to help, in the lookout for a lawyer/counselor. All are accessible due to technology. You will find plenty of online hotline numbers, remote NGOs, forums to connect with police or government/independent organizations who promise to vigilantly take care of any kind of abuse. For the reasons that domestic abuse is often practiced yet remained hidden under the impression of family honor, has altogether worsened the morality frame.
• On a brighter side, victims can now stay in touch with their friends and family even if they cannot, due to geographical reasons or personal reasons. In some cases, victims may not want to meet their close friends or family when undergoing psychological, physical or emotional abuse. But if we flip this situation, and look at the cons, the violators can abuse this technology in various ways: such as, by making fake or real social media accounts for personal gains, cheating on a spouse, dating apps for casual extra-marital flings, monitoring of partner’s online activities. Some abusers may isolate or hide certain information from their victims using technology for their own interests.
• Tracking software and mobile applications were not enough that now we invented hardware devices. The good use came into existence when CCTV cameras and GPS tracking devices were able to alert victims and authorities when a potential abuser was around. Some hardware devices can be easily incorporated in cars, pockets or kids toys where the abuser or spy listens or views everything in real-time.
• Technology has made tracking changes way too convenient than ever before. Victims and police can record and use the proofs to make the abuser accountable, leading to lawful punishments. Physical abuse is tangible and can always be used as a proof, however, emotional abuse or psychological abuse where usually the abuser plays mind-games can now somehow be outlined.

Final Thoughts and the way forward

You don’t have to exchange passwords or hack accounts in this era – these are some old school methodologies. The potential threat could be anyone who is intrigued enough to get your information. Storing information can be misused against the victim and the misuse is not restricted to banking or financial details when it comes to domestic violence. Typically, the tracking and tracing are out of fears and for gaining control over someone's information.

Alongside all the means the evil minds come up with ideas to use technology for their advantage, technology already is quite helpful at eliminating and identifying different kinds of violence. Government and non-government organizations are actively working to eliminate the anxieties and shame that comes with domestic violence. The technology already is and will be a great source in eradicating the objection against raising voice and the response it typically generates. It is already experiencing the transformation.

Nathan John is a well-known content writer and he has been working for seven years in the same field. He writes for internet access and communication.