Preventing Domestic Violence Through Open Government and Innovation

Disclosure

This blog is intended to explore the areas of domestic violence prevention and innovation through open government and technology.  I am not an expert in the field of domestic violence.

If you are a victim of domestic violence and need help please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE(7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224.

For more information about internet safety, visit National Network to End Domestic Violence or National Domestic Violence Hotline. 

Be Your Own Hero.

Professor Noveck used our last Gov 3.0 to reflect on the past semester and look 10 years into the future. The discussion reflected a shift from theory to practice - a fitting framework for the last class of my graduate school career.

Students were given the opportunity to discuss their hopes for the future of innovation and the intersection of technology and policy.  The ideas ranged between more collaborative student environments, tax reform, and direct democracy. We spoke of the toolkit necessary for policy students to become the change agents of the future - from creating a common language to cutting across silos and bringing together information and individuals.

The conversation then shifted to talk of heroes.  One of my heroes in the class, Cosmo, advocated for the “everyday hero” - a civically engaged individual who sets the example for all other citizens.  She spoke of the importance of citizen science and contributing to the pool of data and knowledge available.

Professor Noveck closed the semester with a discussion of Carl Malamud, the founder of publicresource.org and author of a speech about the late Aaron Schwartz. She spoke about the necessity of improving the core fabric of our democracy through technology, strategy, and values.  She echoed Cosmo’s point about the value in finding “regular people” to admire.

This Monday, I took a call from an old family friend, George. He has provided advice and guidance to my entire family over the years.  At the end of our conversation, he said “Morgan, remember to be your own hero. Don’t change your morals or your identity for anyone.”

He reminded me of the importance of honesty in all my encounters and how I need to focus on dreaming dreams while staying within the realm of reality. Most of all, he reminded me that humans aren’t perfect, but that we must live with integrity and chase down our values despite our imperfections. 

As I move into the next phase of my life, I am grateful for this reminder. Fundamentally I believe that the human spirit is strong and that, together, individuals can create real change in the world.

I challenge all of you to be your own heroes.  Stand up for what you believe in and live a life with integrity.

Morgan MacIver is a graduate student at NYU's Graduate School of Public Service

Domestic Violence in the Workplace

NYU Wagner requires students to consult for an outside organization during their last year of graduate study.  This project, called Capstone, is completed in groups and lasts the whole year.  I consulted for the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence – specifically around their Domestic Violence in the Workplace Initiatives. This project has raised my awareness to the essential and complicated work of preventing domestic violence- and mitigating the affects of domestic violence on a victim’s life.

 

Impact of DV on the Workforce

The workplace has become an important and effective pathway to address the issue of domestic violence. Oftentimes, abusers try to isolate victims from their family and friends. The workplace is a safe and neutral place to find information or seek help. The workplace is also an increasingly important venue for awareness about domestic violence because domestic violence has an adverse impact on the workplace.

Domestic violence adversely affects an employee’s productivity, attendance, and overall well-being. Domestic violence can also jeopardize the safety of other employees in the organization, as a perpetrator can come to the workplace to harm the victims. Additionally, victims can often experience decreased productivity, punctuality, and absenteeism. Domestic violence can financially impact businesses and organizations in the form of increased health-care costs, lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and increased employee turnover.

 

State Government

As a result of the impact of domestic violence on the workplace, many states have implemented policies that address what employers and managers should do to combat domestic violence and effects at work. Many state governments address the prevention of domestic violence by issuing a policy that is directed toward the state’s workforce, as state government is consistently one of the largest employers in each state. 

In order to address the impact on personal, financial, and safety that domestic violence has on the New York State workforce, Executive Order 19 was signed by Governor Spitzer in October 2007. This executive order requires that all New York State agencies establish a domestic violence in the workplace policy in order to keep their employees, and potential domestic violence victims, safe. These policies achieve the following goals: inform State employees where to go for help within their agencies; make agency employees aware of how they may enhance safety for themselves and their colleagues; educate the general workforce about what to do if they witness threatening or violent behavior; and, provide guidance for human resource departments for how to respond to victims who disclose abuse.This policy and the work that ensures its implementation are referred to in this report as Domestic Violence in the Workplace Initiatives or DV in the Workplace Initiatives.

The OPDV’s activities are a key means to counteract the isolation that usually accompanies domestic violence scenarios. The OPDV intends for their work to serve as an “isolation buster” by delivering services that have the potential to reach and impact victims of domestic violence who are often isolated from friends and family. The OPDV also supports concerned friends, families, and co-workers of victims of domestic violence.

Its model relies upon liaisons in the field to refer individuals to local domestic violence service providers. In each agency, an appointed Domestic Violence in the Workplace liaison (DV liaison) acts as a “partner” to the OPDV for implementing DV in the Workplace Initiatives in their specific agency and serving as a resource for their fellow work colleagues. Their role is a key component of the OPDV mission penetration, reach, and success.

Morgan MacIver is a graduate student at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Taking Stock (Revision)

Here is what I think thus far about integrating technology into the field of domestic violence...

Domestic violence prevention and intervention is a more complicated issue area than is first apparent. Not only does domestic violence affect all areas of life, it affects people differently.  Solutions that might be beneficial for one victim might cause disastrous consequences for others.

We must approach the issue with sensitivity and care.  The provision of direct services should come only from social workers and those trained to counsel and interact with victims.  There are countless anecdotes of well- intentioned interventions that backfired--- from police officers reacting to a 911 call regarding domestic violence that asked perpetrators to apologize to the victims, only to have the abuse to intensify dramatically in reaction to the scolding--- to group counseling and batterer rehabilitation programs that teach batterers to batter better--- and family and friend interventions that lead to an even more isolated victim.  Similarly, technological innovations can be used for good - and for evil.

The introduction of technology into this sphere must be taken very seriously.  Innovations designed to increase safety of victims can put them in even more danger- even accessing information can lead to more problems.  I think technology and innovation can help solve some of the challenges associated with domestic violence prevention and intervention, but there are some areas that require human interaction. 

Here are my initial thoughts about the pros and cons of technology within the different realms of domestic violence prevention and intervention. 

Advocacy and Education

Advantages to Utilizing Technology:

- allows victims, family, and friends to access information anonymously

- it helps victims feel less alone/ serves to break through barriers established by batterers

- family and friends are able to identify signs of domestic violence and better offer support to victims

- information is empowering and victims can develop safety plans with materials found online

- puts victims in touch with experts and counselors immediately via online messages and text message

- provides referrals to domestic service providers

Challenges Associated with Utilizing Technology:

- browsing history makes victims vulnerable as perpetrators can punish victims for accessing information about domestic violence

- not all information and suggestions fit all situations, for example action could be taken by uninformed individuals that make matters worse for the victim

 

Direct Services

Advantages to Utilizing Technology:

- can improve efficiency of services

- can increase reach of services

- need to develop an infrastructure to capture electronic messages used as harassment for court proceedings

- can help provide services to victims quickly

- allows victims to connect quickly with friends, family, and police in the event of an emergency

- allows police to track perpetrators using GPS technology

- makes it easier to see if abusers violate court orders

Challenges Associated with Utilizing Technology:

- lessens personal interactions which are necessary to best assist victims

- difficult to keep up with changing platforms 

- platforms to track victims and keep them safe can be exploited by perpetrators

 

Open Data

Advantages to Utilizing Technology:

- can expose convicted abusers (similar to tracing convicted sex abusers)

- can help establish best practices for domestic violence providers

- allows for innovation

Challenges Associated with Utilizing Technology:

- abusers can use information to batter better by learning new practices

- abusers can find victims from court documents

 

Topics I hope to explore in the coming weeks:

- Challenge.gov's Apps Against Abuse 

- VAWA and technology

- Technology and the judicial process

I am just beginning to explore the issue of domestic violence and technology, and though I am expanding my understanding rapidly, I'm sure there are things I don't know that I don't know.  This realization is both invigorating and overwhelming.

What other advantages and disadvantages come to mind when you think of integrating technology into the field of domestic violence prevention and intervention?

Are there any other topics you think I should explore?

 

Morgan MacIver is a graduate student at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Domestic Violence and Open Government in Russia (Revision)

Domestic Violence in Russia

http://en.rian.ru/infographics/20130131/179108086.html

 

Amnesty International estimates that one women is killed per hour as a result of domestic violence in Russia, 12,000 to 14,000 per year. 

NPR estimates that there are 10X as many domestic violence related deaths in Russia than in the United States, despite the United States having twice Russia’s population.

Domestic violence requires immediate action in Russia.  Domestic violence statistics are startling enough when they capture beatings and physical abuse.  This still leaves countless instances of emotional, sexual, and financial abuse in the shadows. The numbers reported in Russia only capture those who have died as a result of domestic violence- not those who are affected by it on a daily basis.

This is because domestic violence in Russia is largely kept quiet.  Many pass it off as part of Russian culture which is passionate and violent.  It is common to relegate women into roles in the home- some Russian women are even forced to enter into marriage contracts that stipulate that they cannot work. There is a mentality in Russia that women are there to serve men and that she must have done something to deserve the abuse. (NPR) Even family members refuse to acknowledge domestic violence.

There is no legal recourse either.  Russia has no laws regarding domestic violence.  Domestic violence qualifies as assault- and can only be prosecuted once the crime has been committed, which is often too late.  Even when police are involved, the perpetrator is often able to pay the cops to dismiss the issue.  Even in extreme cases, the perpetrators are often given weak sentences.

Even in situations where domestic violence is acknowledged, the victim has very few options.  There are only a handful of shelters exist in Russia to help domestic violence victims. They are hard to access, can put the victim in more danger, and often stigmatized in society.

The issue of domestic violence in Russia is getting more attention recently. But only after a brutal killing came to light in January. After Irina Kabanova’s death, a movement has begun to increase domestic violence legislation and recourse available to victims since this terrible incident.

Russia must capitalize on this momentum and address the crisis that is domestic violence in Russia. It requires prompt attention.

 

Open Government Movement 

The Russian government’s open government campaign is a perfect way to introduce new legislation, social services, and innovative technical solutions to protect victims of domestic violence.

 The Russian government speaks optimistically about the progress that can be made through their open government initiatives.  The priorities of the Russian are:

• Involvement of society in decision-making process
• Fighting corruption
• Information openness and accountability of government bodies and authorities
• Development of “E-government” mechanism
• Development of competition and entrepreneurship, promotion of favorable investment climate.

During the Intentional Conference on Open Government held in Moscow, 4 spheres of primary interest for Russian citizens were laid out- utilities, education, medicine, and crime level. They also expressed interest in improving social services provided in Russia.  Addressing Domestic violence cuts across several of these objectives, especially reducing crime and improving social services. 

Involvement of Society in decision making procedures

Russians & the Russian government must acknowledge domestic violence as the heinous crime it is. The government must work with citizens to craft & enact legislation to keep pace with the world’s standards on human rights and gender equality.  Incorporating the voices of women who face the daily challenges of being in a domestic relationship would have unique insight about the policy changes and legislation that would change lives. Moreover, they must protect victims of any gender from domestic abuse.  Russia should develop orders of protection to help safe-guard victims of abuse and stalking. 

All of these initiatives are for nothing if they are not enforced by the government and police officers. 

Corruption

Corruption is pervasive in Russian society, as evidenced by countless anecdotal stories about cops choosing the side of the perpetrator in domestic violence instances to get a monetary reward. They must target police officers and first responders to change their ethical standards.  This is not an issue that solely affects domestic violence victims. It affects the trust the people put in the police officers and other civil servants who are supposed to be acting in society’s best interests.

The Russian government should make more information regarding criminal proceedings available online to build trust. Introducing transparency in allowing citizens to view procedures and outcomes will greatly affect how the government is viewed.

EGovernment & Social Services

Domestic violence prevention and interventions are sensitive issues. Some interventions can make matters worse, despite the best intentions.  Internet and other digital mediums serve as important resources for domestic violence victims, as they can gather information when it is safe for them. These websites should be safeguarded for victims so they do not leave a traceable history on the computer and provide a quick escape from the website.

The government should make it a priority to provide information about domestic violence and resources to its citizens online.  These resources should contain information about how to construct a safety plan to exit the situation and how to seek shelters should you need them.

The Russian government should also increase its on the ground resources to assist domestic violence victims. Together, more government shelters and women working together to protect themselves could help victims of domestic violence significantly.

They should have more shelters throughout the country so that women in need can have a safe haven. Women in abusive relationships must create an exit strategy before leaving their abuser and must have a safe place to go.  The government should help to provide these locations for women in need.

Additionally, the Russian government should create a platform for women in abusive relationships to connect confidentially. Women could use these digital tools to pool resources and help keep each other safe. Because of a lack of resources, some victims of domestic violence are forced to return home to their abuser, even after having gotten divorced.  A social platform that would connect abused women would allow them to seek shelter together.

 

Morgan MacIver is a graduate student at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Performance Measurement and Management

Throughout all sectors, the importance of data collection and performance measurement and management systems is on the rise.  Increasingly, funders, supporters, and other stakeholders are requiring concrete data before agreeing to support the program.

Technology has impacted the field of performance measurement and management significantly. Organizations are now able to collect and analyze data digitally which increases efficiency and helps identify trends that would otherwise be overlooked.

Some fields and issue areas lend themselves well to quantitative measurement techniques. Prevention is not one of them.  Neither is domestic violence.

Prevention is difficult to measure because we are never able to truly measure the counterfactual- what would have happened if the intervention hadn’t taken place.

Domestic violence is difficult to measure because it is kept largely under the radar.  Most incidents of domestic violence go unreported.  Furthermore, victims who do access services are reluctant to continue checking in with service providers, so there is no way to monitor their progress after intervention.

Morgan MacIver is a graduate student at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

GovLab: a Personal Reflection

I had the good fortune to be a part of the inaugural GovLab experiment hosted by NYU.  The experiment brought together some of the world’s best thinkers from across the globe.  Everyone in attendance was committed to creating innovative solutions to the world’s most difficult challenges.

In short, it was a surreal experience.  I looked around the crowd and saw people from class, experts in the field, coders, and government officials. It was an amazing opportunity to learn how change is actually made. To interact with those making the change happen.  They often don’t carry themselves like they run the place- they move through the world with grace and are very down to earth.  This natural inclination, coupled with the atmosphere of the experiment, allowed participants to interact as individuals- to brainstorm as invested change-makers, not as the positions they hold in their day jobs. 

The experiment taught me to refocus my priorities – it is more about the content generated than the niceties of a coordinated lunch delivery system.  This is quite the realization for an operations- oriented perfectionist.

But more than that, this experiment reminded me to “play to my strengths”- something my mother has told me since I was a small girl. Playing to your strengths means recognizing that you are not the best at everything you try – nor should you be.  You need to pair the talents and interests you have with a mission you are drawn to.  For me, this means that I am an operations person.  This means that I am facilitator, at least for now.  This means that I must believe in the mission and activities of the organization I represent to be my “best self” on the job.

GovLab was one of the most awe-inspiring, humbling, and empowering events in my life to date.  I feel genuinely honored to have been a part of it.

Morgan MacIver is a graduate student at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Social Media and Domestic Violence

Social media provides both challenges and opportunities in the realm of domestic violence.

It is not enough to look at the ways that social media can be used to help prevent domestic violence and bring support to victims.  Unfortunately, we must also evaluate the harm that can be done by perpetrators through social media outlets.

For general tips about creating a technology safety plan, visit the National Network to End Domestic Violence website.

During my preparation for this blog post, I found Phil Baumann’s Blog post on a similar topic.   Mr. Baumann uses a loose definition of domestic violence- one which includes violence against children.  The Department of Justice defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.”

Although violence against children is not the focus of this blog, it is important to recognize the many tactics used to torment, control, and manipulate domestic violence victims.  Abusers use emotional, physical, and financial means to cause harm their victims.

 

Technology and Social Media as a Tool for Abuse

Advances in technology and social networking have made it even easier for perpetrators to harass and stalk their victims. 

The National Network to End Domestic Violence warns of the threats of High-tech stalking.

"Stalkers are increasingly misusing a variety of telephone, surveillance, and computer technologies to harass, terrify, intimidate, coerce, and monitor former and current intimate partners. Perpetrators are also misusing technology to stalk before, during, and after perpetrating sexual violence.

    Stalkers may misuse technology to:

            Send multiple emails or text messages a day

            Monitor a victim’s computer activity through Spyware

            Track the location of a victim’s vehicle using GPS

            Watch the victim through hidden cameras

            Intercept phone calls and messages

            Impersonate the victim"

Abusers can hack devices and utilize viruses to track their victims without their knowledge.  Spyware is a computer software program or hardware device that enables an unauthorized person (such as an abuser) to secretly monitor and gather information about your computer use. 

Such tracking can make the use of the internet a terrifying prospect.  Even if the victim thinks to clear their search history or set up secure browsing, their activity can still be tracked without their knowledge.

Even without advanced computer skills, abusers can monitor and control their victims through every day computer use.  Social networking sites are made popular through sharing your thoughts, activities, pictures, and location.  Abusers can use this information to harass and control their partners.

Perpetrators also often require that their partners share log in information and passwords to further monitor their behavior.   This means that even private messages are no longer private.  Web history, emails, and electronic accounts are no longer private.

Imagine if everything you posed on facebook was used against you.  Abusers can even get notifications every time you post pictures, have a conversation, and “like” something - making stalking even easier.  Harmless friend requests from former friends can become contentious issues for victims of domestic violence.

Formerly fun apps like FourSquare can be used to track the location and activities of victims.   Abusers could force their victims to check in at each location throughout the day and monitor their every move- a prospect that was not possible even in the early 2000s.

Even without monitoring activity or stalking, virtually any social media platform or messaging system can be used to send harassing and abusive messages.

 

Social Media as a Tool for Good

Although there are challenges to disseminating information digitally, there are advantages to sharing awareness information through social media networks.  If shared correctly, information can reach a large audience and hopefully help a victim in need.

If, for instance, a large social media campaign was able to share messages of awareness and prevention through ordinary people, it might reach those who need the information, even if they are unable to follow domestic violence service providers on twitter or facebook.

The challenge is to create easily accessible, non-traceable resources for those who might be experiencing abuse.  An area for innovation could be an application that share information quickly and then disappeared. Snapchat is a fairly new application that shares images for 5 seconds and then deletes all traces of the image. “Snapchat is the fastest way to share a moment on iPhone and Android - up to 10x faster than MMS. You control how long you want your friends to view your messages.” The app also allows you to detect if the recipient has taken a screenshot. A similar program could be designed to send information to domestic violence victims about creating a safety plan without leaving traces of information on their phone or computer.

Additionally, social media can be used to connect domestic victims survivors to support groups to share their stories.  Victims of domestic violence can feel shame and embarrassment even years after the abuse has ended.  Social media could be utilized to anonymously connect victims to support services and virtual- peer support groups while maintaining their security and sense of self.

Morgan MacIver is a graduate student at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Taking Stock

This week we were asked to prepare a post about our reaction to and reflection upon the "impact of open data/smart disclosure on our issue area."  My biggest take away from the course material and my research thus far: there is so much I don't know.  I am just beginning to explore the issue of domestic violence and technology, and though I am expanding my understanding rapidly, I'm sure there are things I don't know that I don't know.  This realization is both invigorating and overwhelming.

Here is what I think thus far...

Domestic violence prevention and intervention is a more complicated issue area than is first apparent. Not only does domestic violence affect all areas of life, it affects people differently.  Solutions that might be beneficial for one victim might cause disastrous consequences for others.

We must approach the issue with sensitivity and care.  The provision of direct services should come only from social workers and those trained to counsel and interact with victims.  There are countless anecdotes of well- intentioned interventions that backfired--- from police officers reacting to a 911 call regarding domestic violence that asked perpetrators to apologize to the victims, only to have the abuse to intensify dramatically in reaction to the scolding--- to group counseling and batterer rehabilitation programs that teach batterers to batter better--- and family and friend interventions that lead to an even more isolated victim.  Similarly, technological innovations can be used for good - and for evil.

The introduction of technology into this sphere must be taken very seriously.  Innovations designed to increase safety of victims can put them in even more danger- even accessing information can lead problems.  I think technology and innovation can help solve some of the challenges associated with domestic violence prevention and intervention, but there are some areas that require human interaction. 

Here are my initial thoughts about the pros and cons of technology within the different realms of domestic violence prevention and intervention.

 

Advocacy and Education

Advantages to Utilizing Technology:

- allows victims, family, and friends to access information anonymously

- it helps victims feel less alone/ serves to break through barriers established by batterers

- family and friends are able to identify signs of domestic violence and better offer support to victims

- information is empowering and victims can develop safety plans with materials found online

- puts victims in touch with experts and counselors immediately via online messages and text message

- provides referrals to domestic service providers

Challenges Associated with Utilizing Technology:

- browsing history makes victims vulnerable as perpetrators can punish victims for accessing information about domestic violence

- not all information and suggestions fit all situations, for example action could be taken by uninformed individuals that make matters worse for the victim

 

Direct Services

Advantages to Utilizing Technology:

- can improve efficiency of services

- can increase reach of services

- need to develop an infrastructure to capture electronic messages used as harassment for court proceedings

- can help provide services to victims quickly

- allows victims to connect quickly with friends, family, and police in the event of an emergency

- allows police to track perpetrators using GPS technology

- makes it easier to see if abusers violate court orders

Challenges Associated with Utilizing Technology:

- lessens personal interactions which are necessary to best assist victims

- difficult to keep up with changing platforms 

- platforms to track victims and keep them safe can be exploited by perpetrators

 

Open Data

Advantages to Utilizing Technology:

- can expose convicted abusers (similar to tracing convicted sex abusers)

- can help establish best practices for domestic violence providers

- allows for innovation

Challenges Associated with Utilizing Technology:

- abusers can use information to batter better by learning new practices

- abusers can find victims from court documents

 

Topics I hope to explore in the coming weeks:

- Challenge.gov's Apps Against Abuse 

- VAWA and technology

- Technology and the judicial process

 

What other advantages and disadvantages come to mind when you think of integrating technology into the field of domestic violence prevention and intervention?

Are there any other topics you think I should explore?

 

Morgan MacIver is a graduate student at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Interview with Stephanie Nilva, Day One

I recently sat down with Stephanie Nilva, the Executive Director of Day One to discuss the role of technology in teen dating violence and teen dating violence awareness and prevention.  Check out my full interview with her below.

I learned a great deal about utilizing technology to get information out to the people likely to be affected by teen dating violence.  Technology is best used to disseminate information and connect individuals who need assistance to trained professionals to provide direct services in person.

Technology can be used as a weapon by the perpetrator against the victim to monitor their conversations, geographic location, and to spread hateful messages.  If the abuser finds that the victim is accessing information, it can lead to negative repercussions in their relationship.  As such ,it is important to carefully evaluate the role of technology in direct services, and even awareness.

I think our interview is best encapsulated by this clip: Technology for Good

 

“Can you tell me a little bit about Day One and how you got involved?”

About Stephanie Nilva and DayOne 

"Can you talk to me about the issue of teen dating violence and why it is so important to start young?"

Importance of Teen Dating Violence Prevention

"How do you help change teens' frameworks for healthy relationships?"

Redefinging Healthy Interactions

"Tell me about the work that you do. How do you utilize technology within those spheres?"

Prevention and Direct Services

Awareness and Outreach

"Tracking online activity and stalking are issues in adult domestic violence relationships.  Can you tell me about those challenges in teen dating?"

Danger in Accessing Information

Technology Trainings

"What do you hope to achieve through the use of technology?" 

Technology's Role in Reaching Victims

"How do you capture harmful, offensive, or abusive text messages for use as legal evidence?"

Preserving Communication

 

Morgan MacIver is a graduate student at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Upcoming Interview

This week I will be interviewing Stephanie Nilva, Executive Director of Day One.  Day One is a teen dating violence prevention program. Day One educates, organizes and advocates on behalf of young people at risk of or experiencing intimate partner violence.

I am interviewing Ms. Nilva to gain more insight about the innovative work being done by Day One.  They use creative methods (including technology) to reach out to young people to educate them about teen dating abuse and help to make it a thing of the past.

Look forward to the upcoming interview.

 

Morgan MacIver is a graduate student at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service