A Data Tool For Exploring Gender Violence In Ecuador: Insights From A Qualitative Observation

Violence against women (VAW) is a major problem worldwide, with significant negative impacts on the physical, psychological, and social well-being of survivors. One of the key challenges in addressing this type of violence is the lack of mechanisms to make the data available accessible and easy to interpret. Data visualization techniques and tools can play a crucial role in raising awareness and understanding of this issue. This article presents the results of a qualitative observation conducted with 34 individuals who used a data visualization tool to explore the 2019 Survey on Family Relations and Violence Against Women in Ecuador. The study found that the tool enhanced participants’ understanding of the prevalence, types, and scope of gender violence in Ecuador and its impact on women’s lives. We discuss the implications of our observations and the potential and limitations of data visualization tools for addressing these and similar social issues.