“I Speak out for You”: Probing Proxy Disclosure Within Chinese Online Domestic Violence Support Groups

Abstract

Domestic violence is a global issue with devastating consequences, which can be mitigated through disclosure in supportive communications. Proxy disclosure, a special form of disclosure, involves individuals disclosing experiences of victims who are supportively connected with them. This study explores proxy disclosure within the context of domestic violence in Chinese online support groups. Using data from three support groups, the study employs content analysis, structural topic modeling, and propensity score matching to examine the disclosers, content, and supportive effects. Findings reveal proxy disclosers in China are predominantly male and often advocate for mothers and siblings. Six themes emerged, with childhood trauma memories and judicial intervention significantly affecting supportive communication. In addition, self-disclosure generally receives more replies than proxy disclosure. This study introduces and conceptualizes proxy disclosure, providing insights into disclosure for silent victims, and extending the understanding of online antidomestic-violence support systems in non-Western settings. It enhances the theoretical framework of online disclosure and offers practical implications for social work and domestic violence interventions.