An investigation into the use of mobile applications to better aid in the identification of domestic abuse and in the support of victims

Abstract

This research project provides some insight into whether or not Domestic Abuse Applica-tions (DAAs) can be a useful tool for the identification of domestic abuse, and support vic-tims of domestic abuse. The aims were to assess how aware the general public are of DAAs, whether they believe them to be of use, which features would be most useful for a DAA, and whether or not there are any notable differences in peoples’ awareness and opinions be-tween age groups and genders. This information was gathered from an online survey using random sampling methodology, meaning they were accessible to anyone. Thematic analysis was used to draw patterns from the answers, identifying themes between age groups, gen-ders, and also recurring answers or opinions. Pre-existing literature regarding subjects such as advertising, the use of smartphones and growing trends, case studies and alternate methods of identifying cases of domestic abuse, and supporting victims was collated for comparison against the survey results. The data collected from the surveys clearly showed a distinct lack of awareness for DAAs, across all age groups and genders. There was also a common opinion across nearly all participants that DAAs should be more widely advertised, and that they could definitely be of use to victims of domestic abuse. However, the results were not entirely positive towards the idea of advertising DAAs more widely. Some partici-pants raised the point that victims could be placed in further danger should the abuser dis-cover what DAAs look like, and what they are used for. However, the according the partici-pants who took part, the general consensus is that the positives of DAAs outweigh the poten-tial negatives: DAAs can definitely be a useful tool in the identification of cases of domestic abuse, and can also provide support to those who have fallen victim to domestic violence.