A Fairfield University professor is utilizing artificial intelligence to bridge the gap between social media disclosures of domestic violence and the support systems survivors need.

Kanlun (Sampson) Wang, PhD, an assistant professor of analytics at the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, recently published “Digital Voices of Survival: From Social Media Disclosures to Support Provisions for Domestic Violence Victims.” The study moves beyond simply identifying abuse online, focusing instead on how digital communities respond to those seeking help.

“The research extends beyond merely detecting instances of domestic violence in online communities,” Wang said. “Rather than simply identifying abuse online, the study investigates community responses and explores how platforms can more effectively support victims.”

Wang analyzed thousands of posts across various platforms, noting that the structure of a site often dictates the nature of the disclosure. His findings suggest that Reddit’s anonymity encourages detailed accounts, while Facebook fosters different community interactions.

Working alongside instructional technologist Yue Pu and undergraduate researchers Raquel DeLeo and Lindsey Ciss, Wang developed an AI-driven framework that identifies self-disclosed abuse with nearly 80% accuracy. The model is designed to map community-based interventions, helping platforms move toward more effective, timely support for survivors.