An interdisciplinary research team at The University of Texas at Arlington is working to combat technology-facilitated abuse, a form of digital harassment that is common among survivors of domestic violence.
The Mavericks Ending Technology-Facilitated Abuse Project—known as MAVS ETA—brings together faculty and graduate students from the School of Social Work, the College of Engineering, and the Department of Communication in the College of Liberal Arts. Their shared expertise spans intimate partner violence, cybersecurity and digital communication.
Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA), also called technology-assisted abuse, involves the misuse of digital tools to harass, threaten, exploit or control another person. Common tactics include sending abusive messages through text or social media, tracking someone's location with GPS-enabled devices, surveilling conversations through email or shared phone accounts, monitoring online activity, or exerting financial control through digital banking platforms.
"Through the project, we're building on-the-ground knowledge of current TFA tactics, allowing us to identify emerging trends and associated intervention approaches from cybersecurity and public health perspectives," said Morgan PettyJohn, assistant professor of social work and clinic director of MAVS ETA. "Social workers are able to spot and respond to victimization within the field, and computer scientists are able to offer technical support and build safer technology from the ground up."
MAVS ETA works closely with students, community partners and survivors of TFA living in North Texas to identify needs and codevelop educational and technical solutions that promote safety and well-being. As part of this effort, the project recently donated GPS scanners to SafeHaven of Tarrant County to detect hidden tracking devices and other surveillance tools often placed on cars or personal belongings—a tactic frequently used against survivors attempting to leave unhealthy relationships.
"When someone is trying to escape abuse, every step toward safety matters," said Kathryn Jacob, CEO of SafeHaven of Tarrant County. "These scanners help us uncover the invisible threats that survivors face daily. Being able to offer this kind of protection isn't just about technology; it's about restoring control, dignity and peace of mind for survivors and their children."
Launched last spring with funding from the Kalman & Ida Wolens Foundation, the MAVS ETA program conducts research focused on TFA experiences and responses, translating its findings into practical tools for the community. It has provided educational training and technical support to more than 50 domestic violence advocates, cybersecurity professionals and graduate students across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Dr. PettyJohn and Rachel Voth Schrag, associate professor of social work, along with UTA graduate students in social work and in the College of Engineering's Security and Privacy Lab led by Shirin Nilizadeh, continue to provide educational sessions at domestic violence shelters throughout North Texas.
Research from both the United States and Australia has shown that TFA is a nearly universal challenge for domestic violence agencies.
"Our research with advocates and survivors of violence has documented the wide range of TFA tactics being experienced in North Texas, as well as the emotional, financial and social impact on survivors and their families," said Dr. Voth Schrag, project director of MAVS ETA. "It also demonstrates that survivors appreciate specific technical guidance to help them address their current experiences and plan for their future safety. Our project is combining on-the-ground data collection with support and community capacity building to confront this growing challenge."
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 41,000, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
