Integrating app technology in bystander responses to Domestic and Family Violence

• In Event: Bystander Intervention in Gender-Based and Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Activism and advocacy have helped elevate violence against women and children as one of the most pressing and entrenched global social problems. Public awareness programs are more visible than ever but occurrences of violence against women and children continue to occur at alarming rates often overwhelming justice and services responses. In recent decades, bystanders have constituted some of the focus of prevention efforts, due to the important role they play in maintaining, reinforcing, or challenging the attitudes and beliefs which underpin the use of violence (Jouriles et al., 2018). Yet research on both the implantation and effectiveness of bystander initiatives have been limited. This presentation reports on findings from the development and evaluation of an innovative technology response to empower bystanders to respond to domestic and family violence (DFV) in their communities. The Be There App provides community members with DFV educational articles, a journaling tool, self-care resources and links to helplines. This presentation reports on user experiences while engaging with an app (Be There) aiming to support DV bystanders. The research team utilised a mixed-methods design to engage users, collecting data through surveys, interviews, focus groups and app data. Data suggests that alongside bystanders, survivors also utilised the app for support, and that the app was used by groups under-resourced by traditional DV responses, such as those in regional areas. This study demonstrates how apps and other technologies can expand current DFV service responses and assist community members to support others. Key learning from this project shows how apps might be utilised beyond intended target groups as well as the need to integrate with other technological resources as well as frontline services. The presentation concludes with some implications for future policy, practice, and research initiatives.

Authors

• Amy Young, Griffith University

• Ana Borges, Griffith University

• Patrick O'Leary, Griffith University

• Shaan Ross-Smith, Griffith University