To SPB or not to SPB? A mixed methods analysis of self-protective behaviours to prevent repeat victimisation from cyber abuse

Zarina I. Vakhitova,Clair L. Alston-Knox,Rob I. Mawby,Callum A. Stephens

doi:10.1186/s40163-020-00134-5

Zarina I. Vakhitova, Clair L. Alston-Knox + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40163-020-00134-5

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Journal: Crime Science	Publication Date: Nov 11, 2020
Citations: 7	License type: open-access

Affiliation: Monash University, Harper Adams University

Abstract

This paper presents the findings from a mixed-methods examination of self-protective behaviours (SPBs) adopted by victims of cyber abuse from the rational choice perspective. The data from a sample of the U.S. adults (N = 746), members of an online opt-in panel, were analysed to first distinguish the types of SPBs adopted by victims of cyber abuse using a thematic analysis of open-ended responses. We then identified the factors associated with an increased likelihood of adopting SPBs and the specific identified types of SPBs using logistic regression with Bayesian variable selection and a stochastic search algorithm. Of the six identified types of SPBs, adjusting privacy settings was the most commonly reported response, and improving security (e.g. changing passwords, etc.) was the least common SPB. Older victims who reported higher than the average perceived impact from victimisation, were abused by a stranger and experienced either surveillance of their online activities or multiple types of abuse, were significantly more likely to adopt an SPB. Our findings inform strategies for both Internet user education and for preventing cyber abuse victimisation.

Highlights

The use of the Internet and telecommunication technologies to stalk or harass adult victims, referred here as cyber abuse, is both common and often serious (Bocij 2006)
Logistic regression with Bayesian variable selection To identify the factors associated with the increased likelihood of adopting SPBs to prevent repeat victimisation from cyber abuse, we modelled the mechanism using a binary logistic regression with Bayesian variable selection and stochastic search algorithm implemented in AutoStat®
Our study provides the first evidence that variation of deviance type within one crime category is an important factor that determines whether a victim is likely to adopt an SPB or not

Summary

Introduction

The use of the Internet and telecommunication technologies to stalk or harass adult victims, referred here as cyber abuse, is both common and often serious (Bocij 2006). According to the recent study by the Pew Research Centre, over 40% of U.S adults experienced some form of cyber abuse at least once in their lifetime (Duggan 2017); it is more common than face-to-face stalking and harassment (Short et al 2014). Cyber abuse can take many different forms such as “name-calling, trolling, doxing, open and escalating threats, vicious sexist, racist, and homophobic rants, attempts to shame others, and direct efforts to embarrass or humiliate people” (Duggan 2017). The majority of victims of cyber harassment experience less serious forms of cyber abuse such as being called offensive names, serious abuse including physical threats and sexual harassment occurs (Duggan 2017)

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