Electronic partner surveillance up close: A crime script analysis based on in-depth interviews

• In Event: WG-PLACE 1: Crime Scripting

Abstract

Electronic partner surveillance (EPS) describes the practice of using digital technology to control and monitor a romantic partner’s activities and social connections. EPS is becoming increasingly common, particularly among younger adults, and can have a significant impact on the partners involved and their relationship. Yet, little is known about the specific (sequential) decision-making and action processes that drive partner surveillance behaviors. To fill this important knowledge gap, we conducted in-depth interviews with ten individuals who use digital technology to control and monitor their partner. Employing a crime scripting framework, we identified several cognitive, affective, and practical steps that are taken prior to, during, and after EPS. Additionally, we uncovered several underlying mechanisms and overarching factors that give further context to the processes that drive EPS practices. As the first study to apply the crime scripting framework to systematically map EPS, our work forms an important contribution to the research field of partner surveillance, as well as that of crime scripting. We look forward to further discuss our findings, their limitations, and their scientific and societal implications during the EUROCRIM conference.

Authors

• Janneke M. Schokkenbroek, imec-mict, Department of Communication Sciences & IRCP, Department of Criminology, Criminal Law & Social Law, Ghent University

• Thom Snaphaan, Avans University of Applied Sciences & Ghent University

• Koen Ponnet, imec-mict, Department of Communication Sciences, Ghent University

• Wim Hardyns, Ghent University