Introducing a Chatbot to Support Victim-Survivors of Domestic Abuse: Victim-Survivor Perspectives

Nancy  Lombard; Kate Butterby; Hanna Mielismäki; Rocío  Vicente-García; Vanesa  Pérez-Martínez

doi:10.1177/10778012251363583

Introducing a Chatbot to Support Victim-Survivors of Domestic Abuse: Victim-Survivor Perspectives

Nancy Lombard
, Kate Butterby
, Hanna Mielismäki
, Rocío Vicente-García
, Vanesa Pérez-Martínez

Unit of Social Research

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

6 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The use of mobile-based technology to support victim-survivors who are subjected to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is becoming more prevalent. This article explores the challenges that women who are seeking help for DVA may experience, examining whether a chatbot can offer positive solutions alongside highlighting some of the apprehensions victim-survivors have about its creation and implementation including safety and privacy concerns. We conclude that the chatbot has the potential to be an innovative solution but could also be detrimental for survivors if used as an alternative to investment in preventative, transformative innovations focusing on eliminating DVA.

Original language	English
Journal	Violence Against Women
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/10778012251363583
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 4 Aug 2025
Publication type	A1 Journal article-refereed

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 5 Gender Equality
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Keywords

domestic violence
chatbots
conversational Agents
support services
welfare and health services
interpersonal violence
service system
technology
help seeking

Publication forum classification

Publication forum level 2

Access to Document

10.1177/10778012251363583Licence: CC BY

Introducing a Chatbot to Support Victim-SurvivorsFinal published version, 635 KBLicence: CC BY

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202508138230Licence: CC BY

Cite this

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title = "Introducing a Chatbot to Support Victim-Survivors of Domestic Abuse: Victim-Survivor Perspectives",

abstract = "The use of mobile-based technology to support victim-survivors who are subjected to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is becoming more prevalent. This article explores the challenges that women who are seeking help for DVA may experience, examining whether a chatbot can offer positive solutions alongside highlighting some of the apprehensions victim-survivors have about its creation and implementation including safety and privacy concerns. We conclude that the chatbot has the potential to be an innovative solution but could also be detrimental for survivors if used as an alternative to investment in preventative, transformative innovations focusing on eliminating DVA.",

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AU - Lombard, Nancy

AU - Butterby, Kate

AU - Mielismäki, Hanna

AU - Vicente-García, Rocío

AU - Pérez-Martínez, Vanesa

PY - 2025/8/4

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AB - The use of mobile-based technology to support victim-survivors who are subjected to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is becoming more prevalent. This article explores the challenges that women who are seeking help for DVA may experience, examining whether a chatbot can offer positive solutions alongside highlighting some of the apprehensions victim-survivors have about its creation and implementation including safety and privacy concerns. We conclude that the chatbot has the potential to be an innovative solution but could also be detrimental for survivors if used as an alternative to investment in preventative, transformative innovations focusing on eliminating DVA.

KW - domestic violence

KW - chatbots

KW - conversational Agents

KW - support services

KW - welfare and health services

KW - interpersonal violence

KW - service system

KW - technology

KW - help seeking

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DO - 10.1177/10778012251363583

M3 - Article

SN - 1077-8012

JO - Violence Against Women

JF - Violence Against Women

ER -

Introducing a Chatbot to Support Victim-Survivors of Domestic Abuse: Victim-Survivor Perspectives

Abstract

UN SDGs

Keywords

Publication forum classification

Access to Document

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Cite this