DEF-IPV:A digital evidence framework for intimate partner violence victims

Intimate partner violence (IPV), involving abuse by current or former partners, is a growing global concern. Victims often face serious barriers not only in escaping abusive situations but also in securely collecting and preserving evidence, due to the proximity and control exerted by perpetrators. Storing photos, videos, or audio recordings directly on personal devices increases the risk of discovery—especially when abusers have access to the victim's digital environment. While several support services for IPV survivors have been developed, many remain unsuitable for use in high-risk or surveillance-heavy situations. In this study, we propose the Digital Evidence Framework for IPV (DEF-IPV), a technological solution that enables victims to collect and store digital evidence even under surveillance by their abuser. To identify the essential requirements, we conducted expert interviews with IPV support professionals. Based on these insights, DEF-IPV was designed to combine a camouflaged application with steganographic techniques, ensuring that both the evidence and the act of evidence collection remain undetectable. A detailed process model was constructed, and a proof-of-concept prototype was implemented to validate its technical feasibility. This work lays the foundation for future research on real-time and survivor-centered support in high-risk environments.