Abuse within community guidelines: Exploring the lived reality of digital dating abuse for young women in Australia

The Australian eSafety Commissioner recently raised concerns around young people normalising controlling and manipulative relationship behaviours online. While digital dating abuse remains a significant concern, there is limited understanding of how this problem can be addressed. Drawing from semi-structured in-depth interviews with 22 young women—aged 18 to 25 years—this thesis demonstrates how the lived reality of digital dating abuse is an ongoing practice of navigating intimacy among structural systems and community culture that normalises young women’s discomfort and responsibilises their safety. The research contributes a key evidence-base for improving safety and wellbeing through platform, education and government responses.