Digital violence in dating relations of university students from the victims perspective

This research is a descriptive study that aims to examine Digital Dating Violence (DDV) experiences of university students from the eyes of the victims and to reveal the expectations of psychological support for DDV. The research was designed with a phenomenological pattern, one of the qualitative research methods. The participants of the research are 13 university students studying at Anadolu University. The data were collected via "Personal Information From" and "Semi- Structured Interview Form" developed by the researcher. Content analysis was used in the analysis of the data. In the research, 2 main themes and 11 sub-themes were obtained. These main themes are categorized as "Victims DDV experiences" and "Therapeutic expectations of the victims' for DDV". The sub-themes of "Victims' experiences of DDV" are the characteristics of the victims, the nature of the relationship, the DDV behaviors experienced by victims, the reasons for continuing the dating relationship, the ways of coping, and the effects of DDV on the victims. The sub-themes of "Therapeutic expectations of the victims' for DDV" are victims' experience of psychological support, psychological support barriers, therapeutic relationship needs, the characteristics they seek in the therapist, and the characteristics they want to develop in themselves. According to the findings, risky digital behaviors and romantic relationships that start and continue in the digital environment prepare a suitable ground for DDV. Participants were exposed to sexual DDv, control behaviors, and threat/humiliation behaviors. They continued the relationship mostly because of the need for love/ interest /relationship. They used coping methods such as warning the partner or responding to violence with violence. It has been determined that DFS negatively affects the health, social relations and academic development of the victims. On the other hand, it was determined that very few of the participants received psychological support due to DDV, and most of them did not see it as a significant life event. The most frequently expressed need among the participants turned out to be an expert who would listen to them without judgment. They expect the therapist to be a woman, to have experience in romantic relationships, and to have sufficient professional qualifications. The subjects that the participants need to improve on are raising awareness about DDV, improving their coping skills and reducing the negative traces left by DDV. Keywords: Flirt relationship, Digital violence, Flirt violence, Therapeutic help