Saras Krisvianti & *Endah Triastuti
Abstract:
This research applied the virtual ethnography approach to examine the emerging virtual communities supporting Indonesian women. It explored three Indonesia-based virtual communities on Facebook where women, especially those who experience domestic violence, look for a haven to find coping strategies and strength. As domestic violence is highly considered a private family matter, many believe it should be kept hidden behind closed doors. Victims are discouraged from reporting or seeking help. This study found that virtual communities in social media platforms like Facebook make it possible for female victims of domestic violence to have a meeting place and share their experiences without exposing their identities. In other words, interactions within a virtual community empower women through the exchange of experience and knowledge. Women develop connections when they post their experiences in a Facebook group that they are a member of and get positive comments, which are perceived as social support from other members. It provides women with alternative strategies to find relief and to liberate themselves from domestic violence.
Keywords: Domestic violence, Facebook group, online social support, perebut laki orang (pelakor), virtual communities