Listening to the Voice of Intimate Partner Violence Victims from Internet Discussion Forums

Shuhong Luo, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Copyright (c) 2012 Shuhong Luo

Abstract

Human trafficking and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) are all about power and control. Human trafficking is more likely to happen among vulnerable population, such the abused victims of IPV. Understanding the voice of IPV victims can facilitate successful trafficking prevention and intervention programs.

China is at the early stage of developing comprehensive national and local laws to protect victims. The agencies and other social resources are not able to fully meet IPV victims’ needs. Public awareness and victims’ self awareness about IPV are weak, especially about non-physical abuse. There are still conflicting thoughts between whether IPV is a community affair rather than a closed door affair and the responsibility of perpetrators rather than victims. The tactics and patterns of the perpetrator are not widely known by the public.

Data about human trafficking is hard to gather. There is little literature is about the Asian, specifically Chinese victims. Internet discussion forums are a convenient medium for IPV victims to exchange information and to rehabilitate from past trauma. This paper will address a plan on how to collect data from some Chinese internet discussion forums about the victims’ voice and patterns of online informal peer support. The dialogs among internet users in a specific discussion forum will be analyzed. The data will explore cultural differences, family norm, or other safety concerns of victims. These data will be helpful for victim advocates to provide victim-centered service to victims in China, Chinese immigrants who are suffering IPV in US, and may also be helpful for future intervention plans to best empower Chinese victims.

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