Technology-facilitated abuse amongst culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women: Service providers' perceptions

This research draws from practitioners’ reflections about the experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) adult women who experience technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) in the context of domestic and family violence (DFV) in Australia. The research aims to understand the nature of the abuse, the barriers that CALD women face when seeking help for TFA, and how service providers currently respond to this type of abuse reported by CALD women. Through a national online survey and in-depth interviews with practitioners, this research provides valuable insights into the experiences of CALD women and the challenges they face in accessing support and services. These results can be used to inform the development of more effective and culturally sensitive approaches to addressing TFA among CALD women in the DFV context. As technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, it has also become an increasingly common tool for perpetrators of DFV to control and abuse their victims. CALD women may also be more vulnerable to further impacts from this type of abuse given they are likely to be isolated from family and friends and staying connected with family and their culture usually involves accessing technology, such as mobile telephones and the internet. This research investigates the specific ways in which technology is being used to perpetrate abuse and the impact this has on the safety and wellbeing of CALD women. The research also examines the barriers that CALD women face in seeking help, with many participants reporting that their organisations lacked specific training to respond to TFA, cultural awareness, and adequate training to support CALD women. This lack of preparation and cultural sensitivity from service providers can lead to adverse outcomes, with CALD women experiencing further isolation and being less likely to report violence, pursue criminal justice responses, or separate from the perpetrator. The study also explores the impact of TFA on
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Health Sci & Soc Wrk
Griffith Health
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