4AP.3
Technology-facilitated abuse: Extent, nature and responses in the Australian community
July 2022
Australian research has shown that the use of technology to perpetrate violence against women is a rapidly growing and serious problem.
Though the research both nationally and internationally is developing, there are several key gaps in our current knowledge. Specifically, little is known about the extent of women’s experiences of technology-facilitated abuse (TFA), or the nature and relational contexts of women’s experiences of TFA (which can inform prevention and the provision of support services).
Further, little is known about the extent of TFA perpetration, or the attitudinal and other correlates of TFA perpetration that might be targeted in prevention and response programs.
To address these knowledge gaps, this research project:
- established reliable national prevalence rates for the adult victimisation and perpetration of key forms of TFA, including online sexual harassment, stalking, partner violence and image-based sexual abuse
- improved understanding of the lived experiences and help-seeking patterns of women victims and survivors of TFA, and identified currently available (and needed) help-seeking remedies
- improved understanding of the nature and characteristics of TFA perpetration
- provided an evidence base to inform practice innovation and further development of prevention and responses to TFA.
The research also identified how we can more effectively disrupt, prevent and respond to TFA.
This project used a mixed-method research design, comprising a sector survey, formative qualitative research interviews and a national survey of TFA victimisation and perpetration.
Significance
The significance and impact of this research project is threefold. First, in examining TFA, the project directly addressed national policy and research priorities as identified under the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children (2010–2022). TFA is identified as a significant issue under National Priority Four: Respond to sexual violence and sexual harassment. Second, through a nationally representative prevalence survey and in-depth interviews, this project addressed an urgent gap in current knowledge regarding the extent and nature of TFA. Third, through consultative research with the service sector, as well as an industry and sector stakeholder project advisory group, the project developed evidence-based and practice-informed recommendations for improving policy frameworks, legal responses and support services, and preventing TFA.
Presentations
Technology-facilitated abuse: Extent, nature and responses in the Australian community
This webinar launched the two final reports within a national study examining the extent and nature of, and responses to, technology-facilitated abuse within the Australian community: Technology-facilitated abuse: Interviews with victims and survivors and perpetrators and Technology-facilitated abuse: National survey of Australian adults’ experiences.
Presenters:
- Dr Asher Flynn, Associate Professor, Criminology, Monash University
- Ela Stewart, Manager Legal Centre and Policy, InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence
- Carolyn Wilkes, Manager, Women’s Programs, eSafety Commission
- Joanne Yates, General Manager – Advocacy and Communications, No to Violence
Facilitated by: Padma Raman PSM, CEO, ANROWS.
Downloads
RESEARCH REPORT
Technology-facilitated abuse: Interviews with victims and survivors and perpetrators
Download
RESEARCH REPORT
Technology-facilitated abuse: National survey of Australian adults’ experiences
Download
FACT SHEET
Technology-facilitated abuse: Self-reported perpetration by Australians aged 18+
View more
FACT SHEET
Technology-facilitated abuse: Victimisation experiences by Australians aged 18+
View moresee also
Researchers
Project lead
Associate Professor Asher Flynn, Criminology, Monash University
Research team
Associate Professor Anastasia Powell, Criminology & Justice Studies, RMIT University
Sophie Hindes, University of Melbourne & Monash University
Research partners
The research included a project advisory group comprising Our Watch, the Domestic Violence Resource Centre, the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health, Rainbow Health, Transgender Victoria, Women’s Legal Service NSW, Women’s Disability Victoria, the Victorian Sentencing Advisory Council, the NSW Department of Justice, Sexual Assault Support Service, WESNET, the Australian Office of the eSafety Commissioner, Victoria Police, Facebook, Twitter, Google, and academics from Australia and the United Kingdom.
See also
MEDIA RELEASE
New research to investigate the growing problem of technology-facilitated abuse
Find out moreMEDIA RELEASE
“I needed to retain hold of that life, and that control of that person”: Perpetrators of technology-facilitated abuse share their motivations and experiences
Find out moreWebinar
Technology-facilitated abuse: Extent, nature and responses in the Australian community
Find out moreBudget
$294,031 (excl. GST)
This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.