Citation

López G, Bogen KW, Meza-Lopez RJ, Nugent NR, Orchowski LM. Digit. Health 2022; 8: e20552076221115024.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/20552076221115024

PMID

35923758

PMCID

PMC9340387

Abstract

The current study sought to characterize commentary regarding intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic via the Twitter hashtags #DomesticAbuse and #DomesticViolence. A sample of 481 original, English-language tweets containing the hashtag #DomesticAbuse or #DomesticViolence posted across five consecutive weekdays from March 22 to March 27, 2020-during which many places were enacting lockdown mandates-was examined using thematic content analyses. Overall, Twitter users commented on potential increased rates of IPV, while adding details about abuse tactics that could be employed by perpetrators during the pandemic. Additionally, Twitter users disclosed personal experiences of IPV victimization. Four themes were identified, including (1) type of domestic violence (i.e. whether the violence was COVID-specific or general domestic violence), (2) commentary about IPV (i.e. general reflections, decentralizing and centralizing survivorhood), (3) perpetrator tactic (i.e. abuse tactic used by the perpetrator), and (4) institutions responsible (i.e. institutions responsible for providing services to survivors). Overall, the commentary on Twitter reflected an effort to raise awareness and share informational aid for potential victims/survivors of IPV. Data highlight the potential of social media networks in conveniently facilitating the sharing and spreading of useful resources to other users. Future research should examine whether resources shared via Twitter reach individuals who need them and empower individuals to garner support.

Language: en

Keywords

social media; intimate partner violence; Domestic violence; COVID; twitter commentary