I am a volunteer at Cornell Tech’s Computer Security Clinic, working with a group of researchers from Cornell Tech, Cornell University and NYU studying how to improve technology safety and security for victims of intimate partner violence. Our goals are to develop an in-depth understanding of technology’s role in IPV and create tools that help survivors and advocates navigate technology challenges in IPV.

The clinic is run at New York City Family Justice Centers (FJCs); set up by NYC’s Mayor Office to End Domestic & Gender based Violence (ENDGBV). We visit the FJCs as IPV tech consultant and conduct focus groups and semi structured interviews as a part of the research study as well as counsel the IPV survivors with ENDGBV approval. A year long qualitative study has been conducted and the clinic is on going. Cornell Tech developed its own software to scan the devices of survivors for spyware apps. 

Clients (Survivors /Victims):

– 11 focus groups with 39 women (English & Spanish) ages 18-65 (average 42)

– From 15 different countries with range of education levels

– Most no longer living with abusive partner

Professionals:

– Semi-structured interviews with 50 professionals female (45) and male (5)

– Case managers, social workers, attorneys/paralegals, & police officers