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- Page navigation anchor for RE:Technology-Facilitated Abuse Prevalence and Associations Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Young MenRE:Technology-Facilitated Abuse Prevalence and Associations Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Young Men
Seewald et al.’s recent article explores two important but overlooked issues, specifically use of technology and perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) by men. Further research is needed to explore the clinical significance of the study’s findings, on both the survivors of technology-facilitated abuse (TFA), a subset of IPV, and the person who commits the TFA.
Addressing male perpetration warrants further attention, as interventions to address IPV by focusing on survivors, while important and a priority, has not resulted in any decrease in rates of IPV.1 As the role of technology in our lives increases it was wise of Seewald et al to consider the prevalence of facilitating abuse through TFA. As suggested in the article, we will need to continue to explore ways for technology to play a role in addressing IPV. One such example is the use of embodied conversational agent (ECA) technology, which simulates face-to-face conversation with a health counselor via computer or ipad. An ECA, known as Gabe, is being developed to address unmet health needs of young Black men, including addressing IPV.2 Prior research has shown ECA health counselors can lead to successful health behavior change, including those of underserved populations with low health or computer literacy.3 Such efforts illustrate the need for ongoing research to explore how technology such as smart phones can be used to address IPV.
In addition, given the lack identifiable genetic factors amongs...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.