They shared intimate details of marriage and divorce online. Then their husbands killed them. Domestic violence experts say it illustrates how tricky social media is for survivors.

• Some survivors act from a place of power when they publicly share their stories.

• Domestic violence experts say that social media can be used to strike.

• Sania Khan, a 29-year-old photographer, was killed by her ex- husband after posting intimate details of their divorce to social media.

Two women were killed by their ex-husbands within a few days of each other.

Sania Khan, a 29-year-old photographer from Tennessee, was shot to death in her Chicago apartment by her ex- husband. Dana Alotaibi was killed by her ex- husband on the side of the road. Her ex- husband tried to take his own life.

Both women wrote about their relationships on TikTok. The intimate details of Khan's divorce from Raheel Ahmed were publicized on social media platforms where she had a large following. Bryant Castillo cheated on Alotaibi and abused her.

The fact that these two women prolifically posted about their abusers on social media is just one of the striking similarities. It's difficult to tell if social media aided or abetted the killings.

What role does social media play in facilitating abuse and how can victims of abuse navigate that will be the subject of academic and legal inquiry for decades to come.

Social media is a double-edged sword for domestic violence victims

Domestic violence experts told Insider that survivors who broadcast their stories publicly are acting from a place of power.

Ruth Glenn, president and CEO of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, told Insider that they want survivors to have a voice and that they can share their experiences for themselves.

It can be empowering for survivors to share their stories, to take control of their narratives, and to show strength after being treated badly in a relationship.

Social media can be harmful to survivors because it allows abusers to easily track and exploit a victim's location and next move.

Grant Moore said that on the day of Khan's death she was going to move back to her hometown of Tennessee. Moore said that she had posted an update to social media about her intentions.

Moore wondered if Ahmed was particularly motivated to strike that day because he thought it could have been his last chance.

Moore said that if he could see that, he would know where she was.

Abusers who are called out may retaliate. Speaking out on social media and drawing attention to abuse can give a victim more weight in their relationship, which can make abusers angry.

Glenn said that the victim was exercising control over the situation by posting about the behavior.

Both Khan and Alotaibi gained attention online as they shared their journeys. For these women, and for other victims of abuse who choose to speak out, the question isn't whether they're at risk of meeting their abusers, but when it will happen.

"If somebody is making a living using social media, the risk of their abuser being able to easily identify them and find them and figure out what they're up to at any point in time is certainly," said Anderson.

It's hard to track abuse that arises as a result of social media

The rapid pace at which social media platforms are developed and how quickly they change the way humans interact with one another makes it hard to conduct research on the intersection of domestic violence and social media, according to experts.

Around a decade ago, all the literature was about the social networking site, but nobody was using it. Lauren Reed is a professor of gender based violence at Arizona State University. It's difficult to keep up with this work.

Glenn said that domestic violence is difficult to track because it happens in an enclosed, private space within the confines of an intimate relationship. Domestic violence victims may be hesitant to come forward about their experience.

Sometimes it's difficult to find an original source and all the directions of the content on social media. It's difficult to attribute blame or impose consequences because of the high level of engagement on social media.

The onus is often on the victims

It's up to the survivor or the victim to think about their safety and whether an abusive person will be able to hurt or threaten them.

I don't think it's a good idea to not post to social media. Glenn said to empower yourself by ensuring the safety of yourself and those you care about before doing such a thing.

She said that you have to remember that your safety may be seriously at risk.

Reed said that domestic violence educators are trying to change the culture around domestic violence by encouraging people to come forward with their stories.

Reed said that until there's "social accountability," it's going to keep happening.

Domestic violence organizations are having a hard time keeping up with social media.

Glenn said that the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence doesn't have the resources to deal with the issue.

Glenn said that it could mean more deaths as victims of abuse use social media to come forward.

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