Technology-facilitated gender-based violence against women with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol.

Abstract

Introduction: Women with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face heightened risks of experiencing gender-based violence (GBV). The rapid growth of digital technologies has introduced new forms of violence, such as technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), which disproportionately affects marginalised groups. Despite growing awareness, the intersection of disability, gender and TFGBV is under-researched. This scoping review aims to map and synthesise the evidence on TFGBV against women with disabilities in LMICs, exploring the manifestations of violence, its key vulnerabilities and protective factors within these settings.

Methods and analysis: This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A systematic search of peer-reviewed and grey literature will be performed in six databases, including CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Social Sciences Citation Index, PubMed and PsycINFO. Studies published from 2010 onwards, focusing on women with disabilities in LMICs and involving any form of TFGBV, will be included. The search strategy includes broad query terms to capture diverse experiences of TFGBV. The identified literature will be screened and double-checked for relevance by independent reviewers. Data extraction will focus on key themes such as study design, forms of TFGBV and the risks and protective factors reported. We will conduct basic content analysis, and results will be presented in tables and narratives, providing a descriptive map of the evidence.

Ethics and dissemination: This review will synthesise previously published studies and publicly available grey literature; therefore, ethical approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, presentations at relevant conferences and knowledge-sharing sessions with stakeholders working in the field of disability and GBV prevention. The review will inform future research and interventions aimed at addressing TFGBV in LMICs.

Trial registration details: Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/GZ2UR).