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Todd, Chris, Bryce, Joanne and Franqueira, Virginia N. L. (2020) Technology,
Cyberstalking and Domestic Homicide: Informing Prevention and Response
Strategies. Policing and Society . ISSN 1043-9463.
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Technology, Cyberstalking and Domestic Homicide: Informing Prevention and
Response Strategies
Chris Todd 1, Joanne Bryce2 and Virginia N. L. Franqueira3
Abstract
An emerging concern in relation to the importance of technology and social media in everyday
life relates to their ability to facilitate online and offline stalking, domestic violence and
escalation to homicide. However, there has been little empirical research, or policing and policy
attention to this domain. This study examined the extent to which there was evidence of the role
of technology and cyberstalking in domestic homicide cases based on analysis of 41 Domestic
Homicide Review (DHR) documents, made available by the Home Office (UK). Three
interviews were also conducted with victims or family members of domestic homicide in the UK.
It aimed to develop a deeper understanding of the role of technology in facilitating these forms
of victimisation to inform further development of investigative practice, risk assessment and
safeguarding procedures. Key themes identified by the thematic analysis undertaken related to
behavioural and psychological indicators of cyberstalking, evidence of the role of technology in
escalation to homicide, and the digital capabilities of law enforcement. Overall, the results
indicated that: (1) there was evidence of technology and social media playing a facilitating role
in these behaviours, (2) the digital footprints of victims and perpetrators were often overlooked
in police investigations and the DHR process, and (3) determining the involvement of technology
in such cases is important for risk assessment and earlier intervention to prevent escalation of
behaviour to domestic homicide. It also indicates the importance of further developing evidence-
based approaches to preventing and responding for victims, the police and other practitioners.
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Cyberstalking, Domestic Homicide Review (DHR),
Technology, Social Media.
1
West Midlands Police, West Midlands Police Headquarters, Birmingham, UK
2
School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, UK
[email protected] (corresponding author)
ORCID: 0000-0001-9144-2899
3
School of Computing, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK
[email protected] (corresponding author)
ORCID: 0000-0003-1332-9115
