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