The Technology-Enabled Coercive Control Clinic
Topics: Feminist Geographies
, Digital Geographies
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Keywords: domestic violence, technology-enabled coercive control, community-based research, feminist digital geographies, technology safety planning
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Tuesday
Session Start / End Time: 3/1/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 3/1/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 62
Authors:
Dana Cuomo, Lafayette College
Natalie Dolci, Safe Campus, University of Washington
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Abstract
Digital technologies are central tools for abusers to extend their spatial and temporal control of survivors. Abusers regularly use smartphones, GPS and location finding applications, social media platforms, online banking and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to surveil, harass, threaten and intimidate. While domestic violence agencies have long provided advocacy and shelter for survivors, the prevalence of technology-enabled coercive control (TECC) and the unique challenges it poses for safety planning require communities to re-evaluate available services and resources. In response, this paper introduces the Seattle-based Technology-Enabled Coercive Control Clinic. One of two existing clinics of its kind currently operating in the US, the TECC Clinic pairs a volunteer technologist with a survivor experiencing TECC. The technologist, trained in the dynamics of coercive control and trauma-informed approaches to supporting survivors, assists the survivor with identifying points of compromise on their device(s) and works with them to develop a mitigation plan. Housed in a community-based domestic violence agency, the TECC Clinic provides specialized technology safety planning in a confidential setting, with the goal of enhancing survivors’ digital technology knowledge and skills. Specifically, this paper provides methodological insight to the iterative process of how community-based research rooted in feminist principles of action and change influenced the development of the TECC Clinic, and offers initial analysis of the TECC Clinic, drawing on qualitative interviews and survey data collected during a 6-month pilot study of the clinic.
The Technology-Enabled Coercive Control Clinic
Category
Virtual Paper Abstract
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