Promoting the safe and strategic use of technology for victims of intimate partner violence: evaluation of the technology safety project.
The Technology Safety Project of the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence was designed to increase awareness and knowledge of technology safety issues for domestic violence victims, survivors, and advocacy staff. The project used a "train-the-trainer" model and provided computer and Internet resources to domestic violence service providers to (a) increase safe computer and Internet access for domestic violence survivors in Washington, (b) reduce the risk posed by abusers by educating survivors about technology safety and privacy, and (c) increase the ability of survivors to help themselves and their children through information technology. Evaluation of the project suggests that the program is needed, useful, and effective. Consumer satisfaction was high, and there was perceived improvement in computer confidence and knowledge of computer safety. Areas for future program development and further research are discussed.
Finn
Jerry
J
Social Work Program, University of Washington, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA. finnj@u.washington.edu
Atkinson
Teresa
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003197:Computer Literacy; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D034742:Electronic Mail / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult