Technology-Facilitated Intimate Partner Sexual Violence: An Empirical Study on Socio-Techno Patterns, Prevalence, and Impacts Among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Background and Purpose: Technology-Facilitated Intimate Partner Violence (TFIPV) represents a rapidly rising form of abuse in India, where digital platforms are weaponized to exert control, monitor, coerce, and sexually exploit individuals within intimate relationships. This study aims to empirically examine the socio-technical patterns of such abuse, investigate its psychological and social impacts on survivors, and explore rural–urban variations in experience and access to support.

Methods: Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study analysed 231 survivor-generated social media posts and conducted semi-structured telephonic interviews with 48 survivors of TFIPV across diverse socio-demographic backgrounds. Data were subjected to thematic and comparative analysis to identify recurring patterns and contextual disparities.

Findings: The research reveals two emergent frameworks: the “Digital Abuse Cycle,” where abusers oscillate between public humiliation and private surveillance, and the “Digital Helplessness Spiral,” characterizing victims’ emotional erosion and social isolation. Rural survivors reported heightened vulnerabilities due to poor digital literacy and lack of legal awareness, while urban survivors faced reputational threats and professional sabotage.

Conclusions and Implications: TFIPV is deeply rooted in structural patriarchy and normalized digital control. The study proposes a TRUST Framework to inform professional practice, policy reform, and future interdisciplinary research aimed at addressing this under-recognized yet urgent form of violence.