Technology-facilitated intimate partner violence: An examination of prevalence, perpetration type and methods and the impact of COVID-19

It is widely acknowledged that with the increased use of technology in society much of the abuse and coercive control perpetrated by intimate partners is now also digital in nature and involves technology as a core conduit. This study examined the presence of Technology-facilitated intimate partner violence (TFIPV) in 4,501 cases of online harm reported to The Cyber Helpline, a charity supporting victims of cyber harm, between March, 2019 and March, 2021. Aims were to identify the prevalence and type of TFIPV perpetrated and the methods of abuse used by perpetrators to commit TFIPV. The study further aimed to determine whether these variables differed based on relationship type and COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. TFIPV was present in 12.3% ( n = 554) of cases reported and increased by 427.3% during the pandemic. Fourteen types of TFIPV were identified with the most common being cyberstalking and extortion. Varied methods of TFIPV perpetration were identified, with less sophisticated methods such as social media and video call recording being the most common. Types and methods of TFIPV varied by relationship type and time period. Extortion was most common in brief relationships and during the pandemic, suggesting opportunity and profit motivations. Conversely, unwanted contact, unauthorised access and device interception were more common in long-term relationships, with the latter also being more common pre-pandemic, likely due to greater victim access and knowledge. Findings have implications for victim protection, including the targeting of education to professionals and victims based on relationship type, common types and methods of TFIPV and dispelling misconceptions around TFIPV.