Teenagers' personal accounts of experiences with digital intimate partner violence and abuse

Abstract

BackgroundWhile in-person intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) among teenagers has been widely studied in the past two decades, knowledge about the role digital media plays in IPVA is limited. ObjectiveThe aims of the study were to explore the nature of digital IPVA among victimized teenagers and how digital IPVA co-occurs with other forms of dating violence in this age group. MethodSemi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 14 teenagers (12 girls), aged 15–18 years old, who had experienced digital IPVA victimization. AnalysisThe teenagers' personal experiences with digital IPVA victimization, were analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsFour categories of digital IPVA victimization were identified: harassment, control, monitoring, and sexual coercion. Additionally, many respondents reported that digital IPVA co-occurred with similar forms of in-person victimization. However, a few experienced digital victimization only. ConclusionThe findings show that digital IPVA is multifaceted with severe impact on teenagers' lives. It can co-occur with in-person IPVA but can also be restricted to the digital arena. Nevertheless, digital IPVA occurs within the framework of intimate relationships. Prevention efforts should target young people's understanding of intimacy, sexuality, and what it means to be in an intimate relationship.