What are they saying : content analysis of domestic violence messaging via Twitter

Domestic violence is a pervasive socio-economic issue. This exploratory research studied the relationship between Twitter and conversations about domestic violence, and what the relationship might indicate for future communication efforts. A random sample of tweets were collected and analyzed via SAS Text Miner. Results showed that Twitter is perceived as a news information source per uses and gratifications theory, which discouraged personal disclosure of experience with domestic violence. As such conversations about domestic violence on Twitter were more civic and legal in nature, indicating that Twitter is being utilized more as an agenda setting platform with messages being carefully framed depending on intended audience.