Advocate and Survivor Perspectives on the Role of Technology in Help Seeking and Services with Emerging Adults in Higher Education

Abstract

Emerging adults, aged 18-25, have come of age in a technology oriented world. The internet has been critical in mediating their personal relationships and their understanding of daily life. Emerging adults are also at unique risk of experiencing intimate partner and sexual violence (IPV & SV) Given the increasing infusion of information communication technology (ICT) into anti-violence advocacy, and the broad use of ICT among college-attending emerging adults, this study aimed to explore how both survivors and advocates are leveraging technology for support. Using a QUAL + qual methodology (Morse and Niehaus, 2009), data were collected as part of an evaluation of campus-based advocacy as implemented in five programs. Interviews took place with 23 campus and community-based advocates, and 25 survivors of interpersonal violence who had accessed campus-based advocacy services. Additionally, 63 survivors who engaged in campus-based advocacy services responded to an online survey. Key domains identified were: 1) technology as a means of informing potential clients about services; 2) the role of technology in help-seeking, including its role in tailoring and extending the reach of services; and 3) the importance of recognizing technology facilitated abuse in the advocacy and education process with emerging adults. As advocacy programs are rapidly shifting to technology facilitated services in the wake of COVID-19, this study provides data on advocate and survivor experiences with technology, which can inform these changes across the spectrum of IPV & SV services.

Intimate Partner Violence Victimization During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among a Global Online Sample of Sexual Minority Men

“…Online platforms and communities on GSN apps may provide initial support to those individuals. A recent qualitative study also suggested that the use of mobile and web-based apps has the benefit of supporting survivors of violence and preventing future violence (Voth Schrag et al, 2022 ). Given the high prevalence of IPV victimization among SMM, programs aiming to promote formal and informal help-seeking behaviors among IPV victimization survivors should consider adapting and integrating programs into GSN apps.…”

“So many extra safety layers:” Virtual service provision and implementing social distancing in interpersonal violence service agencies during COVID-19

“…In the years prior to the pandemic, virtual services were already gaining attention as an additional tool for victim service providers, as the proliferation of internet and smartphone use changed the way people communicate and build relationships (Merolli et al, 2014;Voth Schrag et al, 2021). With the service sector's focus on providing individualized services built around the preferences and needs of each survivor, agencies had begun to build virtual services, such as chat and text-based crisis hotlines, to allow individuals to engage with services using modes of communication most comfortable for them (Nesmith, 2018;Wood, Hairston, et al, 2021b).…”

“I Felt Better When I Moved Into My Own Place”: Needs and Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence Survivors in Rapid Rehousing

“…Emerging evidence highlights the role of information communication technology in bridging this gap, particularly as a quick "how is it going?" text-based check in seemed like a viable route for this communication for many participants in this study (Voth Schrag et al, 2021). Ongoing work should explore the potential for virtual services, along with mobile advocacy (Sullivan & Olsen, 2016) to be paired with rapid rehousing models to maximize services efficacy.…”

“…Interviews indicated that survivors sometimes found accessing advocate support challenging, as they were not colocated in the same physical space as might be the case in an emergency shelter or onsite transitional housing program. Emerging evidence highlights the role of information communication technology in bridging this gap, particularly as a quick “how is it going?” text-based check in seemed like a viable route for this communication for many participants in this study (Voth Schrag et al, 2021). Ongoing work should explore the potential for virtual services, along with mobile advocacy (Sullivan & Olsen, 2016) to be paired with rapid rehousing models to maximize services efficacy.…”