By Bridget Harris and Delanie Woodlock

This research explores experiences of technology-facilitated abuse among women living with intellectual or cognitive disability. The findings are based on interviews with women with intellectual or cognitive disability and frontline workers who provide support services.

This research was commissioned to address major gaps in the evidence about technology-facilitated abuse against women with intellectual or cognitive disability.

The report reveals that the tactics used for technology-facilitated abuse of women with intellectual or cognitive disability are like those faced by all women, but there are some unique differences.

Key recommendations:

• The research participants were eager to learn about safer ways to use technology and would like accessible information to be available, such as visual guides and documents in Easy Read formats.

• The frontline workers recommended an integrated approach between the domestic and family violence sector, the disability sector and the justice system, to improve service provision.

Canberra; Office of the eSafety Commissioner, 2021. 61p.

By Reena Sarkar, Maaike Moller, and Lyndal Bugeja

This Australian study examined the frequency and clinical signs of neck injury among domestic and family violence (DFV) patients reporting strangulation in Victorian police regions and the forensic service response during a physical and/or sexual assault. The study compared the characteristics between patients with/without clinical signs of neck injury and between physical and sexual assault where a forensic practitioner performed a medical examination. Of 522 eligible patients of physical and/or sexual assault, 84 (16 %) self-reported strangulation. Amongst the 84 patients, 63 had complete forensic examination data. Of the 63 examinations, 38 were for physical assaults and 25 for sexual assaults. Observable neck injury was reported in 75 %. About half of the patients undergoing forensic examinations displayed neck injuries specific to non-fatal strangulation. Danger-to-life assessment, substance abuse, comorbidities, and previous domestic violence were comprehensively reported. This study suggests that observable neck injuries are associated with self-reported strangulation. The findings will inform policy, and response services, about the features of nonfatal strangulation in DFV in Victoria.

Forensic Science International Volume 374, September 2025, 112533