A Systematic Analysis of Survivor and Witness Disclosures of Domestic Abuse in Anonymous Digital Spaces in India

Abstract

Abstract Domestic abuse remains a serious social issue that often occurs within the closed doors and remain hidden from formal reporting systems. The emergence of social media and other digital platforms has provided individuals with alternative spaces to share personal experiences, seek support, and express their views about abuse. The present study examines disclosures related to domestic abuse shared on social media platforms, with particular attention to the experiences of victims, witnesses, and family members. The study adopted a content analysis methodology to systematically examine publicly available posts and disclosures relating to domestic abuse. The findings indicate that digital disclosures provide important insights into the nature and experiences of domestic abuse that may not always be visible through formal crime-reporting mechanisms. Overall, the study demonstrates that content analysis of digital disclosures can contribute to a broader understanding of domestic abuse and may provide valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, support organizations, and legal practitioners working towards prevention and protection of victims.