“You Have No Idea of What I’m Capable Of”: The Multiple Manifestations of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration in the Digital Age

• In Event: Perpetration of Technology-facilitated Abuse: Emerging Frameworks, Methods and Evidence

Abstract

The current study investigates intimate partner violence perpetration among a sample of young adults in intimate relationships using Johnson’s typology as a conceptual guide (n = 352). Specifically, we focus on intimate partner cyberterrorism (IPCT) to learn more about the perpetration of “coercive controlling violence” facilitated through technologies and whether/how this form of abuse relates to in-person experiences of patriarchal terrorism. Using survey data, the characteristics of IPCT, including unique tactics/strategies and their frequencies, multiple methods of transgressions, and clustering patterns, are presented, along with offender/offending dynamics (e.g., victim-offender overlap, motivations, etc.). Additionally, special attention is paid to the co-occurence of IPCT and in-person patriarchal terrorism, which amplifies controlling abuse when perpetrated together. The results illuminate the complex and multifaceted nature of intimate partner abuse in today’s digital age. Considerations for researchers and practitioners working to understand, intervene in, respond to, and treat maladaptive relationship behaviors are discussed.

Authors

• Alison Marganski, Le Moyne College

• Lisa Melander, Kansas State University