Technology-facilitated Sexual Violence Research Articles

Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence: Victimization and Risk Factors

Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence: Victimization and Risk Factors

Digital shadows: confronting the rise of technology-facilitated sexual violence and the quest for systemic solutions

ABSTRACT This article explores Technology Facilitated Sexual Violence (TFSV), a rising issue in the digital era. TFSV encompasses online harassment, cyberstalking, and image-based exploitation via digital technologies. Unlike previous studies focusing on youth, this one includes adults. Surveys in Australia and the U.S. show TFSV’s high occurrence in adults. Using a qualitative method, the study involves legal and mental health experts to discuss TFSV’s effects, challenges, and solutions. Findings indicate frequent use of social media for abuse, causing victims significant mental distress like fear and trauma. The study points out the gap between fast-paced technological growth and the slower response of legal systems, resulting in ill-prepared professionals for handling digital abuse. It urges immediate, multi-pronged action against TFSV, including training for legal and law enforcement, education for practitioners and victims, and cross-sector collaboration. The article emphasizes the necessity of a better, comprehensive response to TFSV, advocating for an informed and inclusive approach in addressing digital sexual violence.

The dark triad, dating app use and online disinhibition positively predict technology-facilitated sexual violence perpetration

Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) describes the perpetration of a variety of sexual offences committed through digital communication technologies. The current study aims to investigate the similarity of risk factors between TFSV and in-person sexual offending. The sample consisted of 105 young adult, Australian males who responded to measures of sexual violence acceptance, dating app usage, online disinhibition, and the dark triad. Overall, 45.3% of the sample reported at least one instance of TFSV perpetration in the past 5 years. Standard and hierarchical linear regressions revealed dating app usage, the dark triad, and online disinhibition positively predicted TFSV perpetration. Neither measure of attitudes accepting of sexual violence predicted TFSV perpetration, but their positive correlation is indicative of cultural norms enabling sexual violence against women. As illuminated here, the congruence between TFSV and in-person violence extends beyond conceptual and prevalence trends to predictive risk factors. Recommendations for interventions and prevention include raising awareness of risk-generating app features that create vulnerability to sexual harm and identifying heterogenous groups of TFSV offenders based on key characteristics to develop optimal intervention strategies.

An examination of technology-facilitated sexual violence perpetration in Canada among a large sample of adults.

An examination of technology-facilitated sexual violence perpetration in Canada among a large sample of adults.

Supplemental Material for An Examination of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence Perpetration in Canada Among a Large Sample of Adults

Supplemental Material for An Examination of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence Perpetration in Canada Among a Large Sample of Adults

A Thousand Catcalls: Survivors’ Experiences of Sexual Violence in Online Dating

There is growing academic interest in the leisure spaces of online dating as a specific avenue of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV). Yet, limited attention is paid to survivors’ experiences and understandings of sexual violence intermediated by dating apps. Using feminist standpoint theory and an intersectional lens, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 current and former dating app (e.g. Tinder, Grindr) users of diverse identities and backgrounds who previously experienced sexual violence. Sexual violence was found to take a multiplicity of forms spanning the “online-offline” continuum that often co-occur and mutually reinforce their effects, including sexual assault threats, image-based harassment, gender/sexuality-based hate speech, and in-person sexual coercion and/or aggression. Depending on the experience frequency and severity, psycho-social outcomes range from indifference/mild annoyance to emotional trauma and social withdrawal. Findings underscore the profound personal and collective impacts of TFSV and the urgent need for coordinated, multisectoral responses.

Development and Validation of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence Perpetration and Victimization Scales Among Adults.

Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) includes different forms of digital violence, such as online gender-based violence, online gender- and sexuality-based violence, digital sexual harassment, online sexual coercion, and nonconsensual pornography. The aim of this study was to design and validate a measure to assess the perpetration and victimization of each dimension of TFSV. The relationships between the different dimensions and differences by gender and sexual orientation were also analyzed. The participants were a sample of 2,486 adults (69% women) from Spain, aged between 16 and 79 (M = 25.95; DT = 9.809) years. The Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence Scales were found to be valid and reliable instruments, supporting our recommendation for the use of these scales. Network analysis and solution-based exploratory factor analyses showed that the dimensions of online sexual coercion and nonconsensual pornography clustered together. All the perpetration variables were related to sexism. Finally, cis women and nonheterosexual people reported higher victimization scores overall compared to cis men and heterosexuals, respectively, while cis men reported higher perpetration scores overall than cis women.

“It Started With a Nude”: Gangs & Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence

This unique qualitative study updates current literature on gangs and sexual violence by incorporating digital practices. This study applies the framework of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) which combines cyberstalking, coerced sexting, online sexual harassment, and sextortion, to the lived experience of young people in and around gangs in London. Findings are generated from a study that took place January–July 2015, which involved 240 young people taking part in 12 focus groups. Data is triangulated with content analysis of social media sites belonging to local gangs. Exploration of patriarchal and gendered practices that normalize sexual violence in gangs on and offline will be discussed. The link between gangs, TFSV, and criminal exploitation will also be established.

The role of gender and sexism in the moral disengagement mechanisms of technology-facilitated sexual violence

Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) encompasses various harmful online behaviors, such as online gender-based hate speech, online gender-based violence, digital sexual harassment, image-based sexual abuse, and online sexual coercion. This study aimed to examine how moral disengagement varies based on the type of TFSV, and the factors influencing moral disengagement in TFSV situations. Specifically, the impact of participant gender, participant sexist beliefs, and victim–perpetrator gender was assessed. A total of 2950 respondents (70.3% women) between the ages of 16 and 79 (M = 26.33, SD = 10.09) participated in a vignette study in which the variables of interest (TFSV type, victim-perpetrator gender) were manipulated. The findings revealed that moral disengagement levels varied across different types of TFSV, with higher levels observed in cases of online gender-based hate speech, followed by online gender-based violence, digital sexual harassment, image-based sexual abuse, and online sexual coercion. Moreover, the results indicated that sexist beliefs, participant gender (i.e., being a man), and situations involving a woman perpetrator and a man victim were associated with greater moral disengagement. Additionally, it was found that sexist beliefs play a more significant role in moral disengagement for women than for men. This information, which emphasizes the role of gender socialization and sexist beliefs in the justification and normalization of this type of violence, is important for the development of prevention programs.

Exploring the Impact of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence on the Well-being of Undergraduate Students in Ni-gerian Tertiary Institutions

As the digital era reshapes human interactions, concerns regarding technology-facilitated sexual violence (TF-SV) have come to the fore. This study investigates the impact of TF-SV on the well-being and academic performance of undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Quantitative data were gathered from 360 participants from Lagos State University, Lagos State University of Education and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, using random sampling. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between exposure to TF-SV and psychological distress indicators, including anxiety and depression. Moreover, negative correlations emerged between TF-SV exposure and self-esteem, suggesting a multifaceted impact on students’ psychological well-being. Academic performance indicators, including grade point average, showed a negative correlation with TF-SV exposure, indicating its potential to hinder educational success. The study advances knowledge by elucidating the nuanced repercussions of TF-SV within a Nigerian context and contributes to the broader discourse on technology-mediated vulnerabilities. Recommendations for educational institutions include awareness campaigns, digital literacy programs, support services, and policy reforms to create a safer digital environment for students. By addressing the complex challenges posed by TF-SV, institutions can safeguard students’ well-being and academic pursuits in the digital age.

Pengaruh Kekerasasn Seksual Yang Difasilitasi Teknologi Terhadap Depresi Pada Wanita Dewasa Awal Pengguna Media Sosial

This study aims to determine whether or not there is an effect of technology-facilitated sexual violence on depression in early adult women using social media. Technology-facilitated sexual violence is a series sexually aggressive or harmfully harassing behavior using communication technologies. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness or loss of interest in activities for at least 2 weeks. This research was conducted on 150 female subjects aged 18-25 years who owned and used social media and had been victims of technology-facilitated sexual violence. The method used was a quantitative survey, in which participants were asked to fill out the Technology Facilitated Sexual Violence Scale and Beck Depression Inventory-II. The analysis used was multiple linear regression with the help of the statistical program IBM SPSS 25.00 for mac. The results showed that technology-facilitated sexual violence simultaneously plays a role of 36.5% of depression.

Technology-facilitated Sexual Violence in South Korea: A Content Analysis of a Website for Victims.

Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) is an emerging form of gender-based violence. An understanding regarding the circumstance of TFSV and related health outcomes is limited. This qualitative study analyzed postings from an anonymous Korean website on which women suffering from TFSV freely posted messages asking for help and voicing concerns. Victims made efforts to solve problems that remained unresolved, thereby creating difficulties in their daily lives, and compelling them to quit jobs or break social relationships. They reported mental health concerns including suicide ideation, anxiety, frustration, sleep disorders, and depression. Results infer the imperative nature of research, intervention, and political action.

Responding to gender-based violence in higher education: changes as a function of Covid-19

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to comment on how responses to gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education (HE) changed as a function of COVID-19. Since the original lockdown directive was issued by the UK Government in March 2020, there was an acute awareness of the impact the stay-at-home order could have on prevalence and patterns of GBV, with technology-facilitated sexual violence and domestic abuse being of particular concern (Universities UK, 2020).Design/methodology/approachWe give the illustrative example of our learning (from 2020 to 2022) around how we have changed our approach to supporting survivors to access information and support, and the conduct of investigations during this period.FindingsFor HE Institutions who were quick and keen to embrace online teaching, there was a necessity to recognise that this change in learning environment may bring an increase in online forms of sexual misconduct, and additional challenges associated with supporting survivors who were often remote from university campus. Subsequently, and swiftly, responses to GBV in HE (including formal investigations where requested) needed to change to ensure those who were subjected to sexual misconduct could access support and information, in the knowledge that they would not be disadvantaged by bringing their reports forward during a time of global uncertainty.Originality/valueAn insight is provided on the changes adopted to respond to GBV on campus during the early pandemic, and the impact that these changes have had to the provision of specialist service delivery over two years on.

Information and Communication Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence (ICTFSV) pada Remaja: Pengalaman di Indonesia

This study discusses adolescents’ perceptions of ICT-facilitated sexual violence (ICTFSV) based on gender and school type. The research was conducted by surveying 719 students in seven regencies/cities in Surakarta, Indonesia, which were purposively selected. The ICTFSV indicator was measured based on the theories of Henry & Powell (2016) and Baumgartner et al. (2010). Mann-Whitney U and two-sided tests were employed to analyze the data. This study finds the different perceptions of ICTFSV based on gender at SHS and VHS. Moreover, it also finds the different perceptions of ICTFSV among students of SHS and VHS. This provides a new understanding of gender-perspective integration and character-building in developing school policies. Therefore, further research on gender equality and character-building of education policy can be carried out. The analyzed object imposes many limitations, namely the selected sample, the research focus, the data collecting, and analyzing method.

“Embarrassing and disgraceful”: technology-facilitated sexual violence and victim’s healing process

This study aims to reveal the communication experience of victims of online gender-based violence and the healing process from the trauma they experienced. The main research questions are how victims experience violence online, what motives encourage perpetrators to commit violence from the victim’s perspective, the meaning of the communication experience, and the victim’s process of healing the traumatic experience. In this qualitative study, phenomenological methods and symbolic interaction theory were employed. The research subjects are women victims of online gender-based violence cases. Informants were selected through a purposive sampling technique. The results showed that most cases of threats of spreading intimate photos or videos were experienced by victims when they asked for a breakup or did not follow the wishes of the perpetrator. Victims of violence in the online realm are also vulnerable to multiple layers of violence. The video is used as a tool for the perpetrator so that the victim does not refuse to have sex with the perpetrator. The impact experienced by the victim is psychological loss, social isolation, and limited mobility. The three motives behind the above cases are relational, sextortion or extortion, and unknown motives. The meanings obtained from the communication experience of victims are shame, disgrace, loss of identity, feeling tarnished, and having mistrust of the opposite sex. The victims used various ways to heal themselves from the trauma, namely getting closer to God, telling stories to friends, and consulting psychologists.

The Role of Depression in the Effect of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence on Suicidal Ideation in Early Adult

The phenomenon of suicide ideation is a problem that needs to be examined at this time. This study investigates the role of technology-facilitated sexual violence experience and depression on the appearance of suicidal ideation in emerging adults. A quantitative research was conducted on a sample of 322 respondents aged 18–25 years. Three scales were used in this research: the Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence Victimization Scale is established by Henry & Powell (2014), to measure the respondents’ technology-facilitated sexual violence experiences; Lovibond & Lovibond’s (1995) Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale to measure the respondents’ depression, anxiety, and stress; and Beck’s (1979) Scale of Suicidal Ideation established to measure the appearance of the respondents’ suicide ideation. The data were analyzed using the statistical correlation test, multivariate linear regression hierarchy, and path analysis. From the results, technology-facilitated sexual violence was found to have a significant effect on suicidal ideation in early adults. Furthermore, it was found that depression partially mediates the relationship between technology-facilitated sexual violence and suicidal ideation in early adults. This study is beneficial to developing a positive internet intervention approach to create more conducive virtual spaces.

Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence Perpetration and Victimization Among Adolescents: A Network Analysis

IntroductionThe present study sought to analyze the relationships between different forms of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) perpetration and victimization, including gender- and sexuality-based harassment, digital sexual harassment, and image-based sexual abuse (IBSA), which includes both sextortion and non-consensual pornography.MethodsThe sample was composed of 1682 adolescents (865 girls; Mage = 13.90, SDage = 1.26) who completed self-report measures from November 2019 to March 2020. We conducted network analyses to analyze the relationships among different forms of TFSV perpetration and victimization.ResultsOverall, girls had higher victimization scores, whereas boys had higher scores in the perpetration of several forms of TFSV. Gender- and sexuality-based victimization formed a cluster with digital sexual harassment victimization, while sextortion and nonconsensual pornography victimization formed a differentiated cluster. Forms of IBSA victimization and digital sexual harassment victimization were strongly associated with their perpetration counterparts for boys, but this was not the case for girls.ConclusionsThe results revealed that the different forms of victimization and perpetration appear to be related and suggest that TFSV is a gendered form of abuse.Policy ImplicationsFindings from the present study suggest that preventive programs in schools and communities should be holistic and address various forms of TFSV.

Sexual violence and abuse in online dating: A scoping review

Online dating websites and apps offer an array of conveniences that have captivated those looking to form new relationships. However, as these platforms have grown in popularity, companies have had to grapple with their potential to act as catalysts for sexual violence and abuse both on and offline. In light of increasing anecdotal, popular media, and law enforcement reports, there is growing academic interest in online dating as a specific avenue of technology-facilitated sexual violence, with its own potential contextual drivers and safeguards. Using a scoping review methodology, the authors map this emerging literature's contours, characterize its theoretical, methodological, and empirical contents, and identify lacunae and opportunities for future research. Areas addressed in the current literature include the prevalence of digital sexual harassment and abuse, individual differences in victimization and perpetration, mechanisms by which online dating technologies facilitate or impede sexual violence, and responses from industry, policymakers, and the general public. Among other gaps, there is need for additional longitudinal and experimental research, qualitative analyses of online dating technologies' digital architectures, and investigation into the psychological and social sequelae of online dating violence. • This scoping review maps the current literature on sexual violence in online dating. • Literature contains a manifold of qualitative and quantitative study designs. • Research addresses digital sexual violence prevalence, predictors, prevention. • Four causal mechanisms: risky lifestyle, disinhibition, social embedding, technoculture • Need for additional longitudinal research, research on digital architectures, and more

Violence (Portrayals of Sexuality in Pornography)

Violence (Portrayals of Sexuality in Pornography)

Young people's experiences of image-based sexual harassment and abuse in England and Canada: Toward a feminist framing of technologically facilitated sexual violence

This article reports on a qualitative research study Sharing Networked Image Practices (SNIP) among young people. We explore our findings from 37 focus groups with 206 young people aged (11–19) in London and South East England and Toronto, Canada conducted in 2019 and 2020. Drawing on feminist legal and criminological scholarship (Powell & Henry, 2017; McGlynn et al., 2017; McGlynn and Johnson, 2020) we develop a framework to clearly identify how and when image sharing should be constituted as forms of: (1) Image-Based Sexual Harassment (IBSH) (i.e. unsolicited penis images (‘dick pics’) and unwanted solicitation for nudes), and (2) Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA) (i.e. non-consensual image creation/sharing). We argue that categorizing non-consensual image sharing, showing and distributing as image-based sexual harassment and abuse rather than ‘sexting’ is an important conceptual shift to enable young people, schools, parents and all relevant stakeholders to recognize and address new forms of technology-facilitated sexual violence.