Technology-facilitated coercive control (TFCC): Evidence-based insights for practice

Abstract

Technology‑facilitated coercive control (TFCC) is the use of digital technologies to coercively control current or former intimate partners. Coercive control is behaviours or strategies used by (mainly male) perpetrators against (mainly female) victim‑survivors to control them and make them feel inferior. Traditional kinds of intimate partner violence (such as physical, emotional and sexual abuse) are used in TFCC, but digital media shape the form these take and enable new abusive strategies and opportunities for responding. This presentation is based on the findings of a rapid literature review and evidence synthesis of international research studies. This presentation will focus on: (1) key features of TFCC, (2) strategies used by perpetrators to enact TFCC, (3) cooccurrence of face-to-face and technology-facilitated strategies, (4) client groups who may be at an elevated risk of victimisation, (5) outcomes associated with victimisation, (6) risks associated with expecting victim-survivors to stop using technology and (7) practice tips for supporting clients who may be experiencing TFCC. We found that key technological strategies used to enact coercive control vary, for example, harassment on social media, stalking using GPS data, and monitoring email. Some client groups that may be at a unique or elevated risk of experiencing TFCC include women: from migrant backgrounds, with disability, and residing in regional, rural or remote areas. The impacts of experiencing TFCC are diverse and cover psychological, emotional and social factors. An important consideration for practitioners is that victim-survivors experience limited ability to seek support.

Reference

MacDonald, J. B., Willoughby, M., Truong, M., & March, E. (2024). Technology-facilitated coercive control (TFCC): Evidence-based insights for practice. Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference, 11–14 June. Melbourne, Australia. (Paper)

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