Do you know the signs of abuse? You might think of someone who hits, pushes, or otherwise physically hurts you, and those are definitely huge red flags. Or you might also know about the kind of abuse where your partner calls you names, threatens or humiliates you, or stalks you. And most people know that, unfortunately, some partners can be sexually violent.
But what about when a boyfriend, girlfriend, fiance, or spouse tries to control or harass someone using technology, such as social media, their cell phone, or Internet accounts? You might not think of this as abusive, but it is. Many people don’t know about this kind of abuse, which is known as digital abuse or digital dating violence.
Examples of digital abuse can include:
Of these behaviors, intrusive monitoring is probably the most common, with up to 20% of young people in relationships saying they’d experienced it in one 2013 poll. Pressure to sext also appears to be common among young people and teens.
Actions like these are inappropriately controlling and cause for concern. Remember, you always have a right to privacy and to be undisturbed. Being in a relationship never obligates you to share passwords or be available by phone or online 24/7. Your online identity is your own, and should always be under your control. Also, no one should ask you to send photos, images or videos you don’t want to send. (If you are under 18, remember that sexting can also result in serious legal consequences for both of you.)
Sometimes, it could seem romantic when a boyfriend or girlfriend is so interested in us that he or she always wants to know about our activities. However, this can quickly become intrusive and harassing. If your boyfriend or girlfriend’s behavior in this area bothers you or raises red flags, ask them to stop. If it continues, consider leaving the relationship, or reach out for help.
These resources can help if you have questions or concerns about digital abuse (or other types of abuse). Digital abuse is real and harmful.
By Carol Church, lead writer, SMART Couples, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida
References
Loveisrespect.org. (2013). Is this abuse? Types of abuse. Retrieved from http://www.loveisrespect.org/is-this-abuse/types-of-abuse/#tab-id-5
Tompson, T., Benz, J., & Agriesta, J. (2013). The digital abuse study: Experiences of teens and young adults. Retrieved from http://www.apnorc.org/PDFs/Digital%20Abuse/AP-NORC%20Center%20and%20MTV_Digital%20Abuse%20Study_FINAL.pdf
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