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Benítez-Hidalgo V, Henares-Montiel J, Ruiz-Pérez I, Pastor-Moreno G. International Prevalence of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence Against Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024:15248380241286813. [PMID: 39394676 DOI: 10.1177/15248380241286813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the present review was to systematically identify and examine current knowledge regarding the frequency of any form of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) perpetrated against women aged 16 years and older. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist was applied when performing the present review. Observational studies reporting prevalence data for any form of TFSV against women aged 16 years and above were considered for inclusion. Four meta-analyses were conducted. One examined data pertaining to overall TFSV, while the other three each addressed a key dimension based on the type of victimization under study. Random-effects models were used to compute pooled estimate prevalences (95% CI). Included studies reported prevalence in 32 different countries at different time points, with 28,220 women being interviewed (16-97 years). A total of 1,437 potential articles were gathered from 8 databases and 17 studies were selected for analysis. Included studies exhibited a low risk of bias (12 strong methodological quality-5 medium). Rates of TFSV ranged from 2.2% to 84%. Global estimated prevalence was 30.60% (95% CI [24.08, 37.12]). The most frequently reported behaviors pertained to "digital sexual harassment" (28.54%) followed by "technology-facilitated aggression and coercion" (16.93%) and "image-based sexual abuse" (6.48%). Present findings shed light on a significant gap in understanding the experiences of adult women. The wide range of reported frequencies underscores the importance of unifying terms and standardizing measurement instruments, emphasizing the need for a cohesive approach to better comprehend and address the multifaceted nature of TFSV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesús Henares-Montiel
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Avenida Monforte de Lemos, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, Avenida de Madrid, Granada, Spain
| | - Isabel Ruiz-Pérez
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Avenida Monforte de Lemos, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, Avenida de Madrid, Granada, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Pastor-Moreno
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Granada, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Avenida Monforte de Lemos, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, Avenida de Madrid, Granada, Spain
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Lusky-Weisrose E, Klebanov B, Friedman-Hauser G, Avitan I, Katz C. Online sexual abuse of children with disabilities: Analyzing reports of social workers' case files in Israel. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 154:106869. [PMID: 38850752 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online child sexual abuse (OCSA) is a growing social concern. However, its manifestations among children with disabilities (CWDs), who face an increased risk of sexual abuse, remain largely unexamined. OBJECTIVE This study aims to fill this gap by examining professionals' perspectives of the OCSA of CWDs through their work at the 105 Hotline, an Israeli national call center that accepts queries and reports of the cyber victimization of minors. METHODS A mixed methods research design was employed. A quantitative analysis was performed on 114 case files involving the OCSA of CWDs, followed by a thematic content analysis of 23 follow-up files by social workers. RESULTS The quantitative findings revealed various characteristics of the survivors, their families, and OCSA. The qualitative analysis revealed that professionals indicate multiple interrelated risk factors for the OCSA of CWDs on three levels: child, related to the child's characteristics and disability traits; family, referring to familial complexities, parenting challenges, and socio-economic position; and relational, referring to the online abusive relationships between the perpetrator and the survivor. Furthermore, the online platform comprised characteristics that enhanced the risk of OCSA of CWDs. CONCLUSIONS The understanding that the OCSA of CWDs as a compounded risk that encompasses personal and environmental risk dimensions is necessary and should guide all professionals' decisions and actions. There is also an urgent need for governmental and community efforts to develop measures, policies, and support systems to reduce OCSA risks for CWDs. Moreover, knowledge and interventions should be developed for professionals and parents of CWDs to improve the identification and response to this overlooked phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Lusky-Weisrose
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Bella Klebanov
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Ilan Avitan
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Quayle E, Schwannauer M, Varese F, Allsopp K, Cartwright K, Chan C, Chitsabesan P, Green V, Hewins W, Larkin A, Newton A, Niebauer E, Radford G, Richards C, Sandys M, Shafi S, Ward J, Whelan P, Bucci S. Implementation of a digital health intervention for young people exposed to Technology Assisted Sexual Abuse. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 154:106883. [PMID: 38870708 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The internet has become a place of increased risk of abuse, including sexual abuse, for young people (YP). One potential risk factor to online abuse and exploitation is the ability to mentalise. We developed the i-Minds app, a mentalisation-based digital health intervention (DHI) for YP who have experienced technology assisted sexual abuse (TASA), which we tested in a clinical feasibility trial. Nested within the trial was a qualitative implementation study with clinicians who referred to the trial. OBJECTIVE To explore the barriers and enablers to the future integration of i-Minds into clinical practice. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Twelve HCPs were recruited from across two trial recruitment sites (Manchester and Edinburgh). METHODS Semi-structured interviews were informed by Normalisation Process Theory (NPT). Framework analysis was used; transcripts were coded deductively to NPT constructs. RESULTS Practitioners were positive about the need for, and added value of, the i-Minds app over existing interventions, including other DHIs. While they felt confident with the app, concerns remained around the safety of using the app without practitioner support. i-Minds promoted changes in practitioners' work and impacted online behaviour of YP. There was an identified need for further training and organisational support. CONCLUSIONS Practitioners are aware of TASA but have limited knowledge, skills and tools to work with TASA in clinical practice with YP. There is a need for awareness raising and education about TASA and DHI. i-Minds offers a theory-informed DHI for working with YP exposed to TASA that is acceptable to practitioners and YP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethel Quayle
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Schwannauer
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Filippo Varese
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Allsopp
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kim Cartwright
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Cindy Chan
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Amanda Larkin
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Newton
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Marina Sandys
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Pauline Whelan
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Science, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Bucci
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biological, Medical and Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Vale M, Gomes JP, Matos M. Forensic psychological procedures in cases of technology-facilitated sexual abuse among adolescents: A scoping review. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2024; 42:313-337. [PMID: 38635450 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Technology-facilitated sexual abuse refers to the use of information and communication technologies to facilitate both virtual and in-person sexual crimes. Research on this topic has focused on rates, risk factors, and consequences. This scoping review aims to understand whether and how forensic psychological procedures are adapted to assess adolescent victims and how Internet-based information might be useful as complementary data. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extensions for Scoping Reviews guidelines, searches were conducted in April 2023 in five electronic databases to include Portuguese, Spanish, or English quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method peer-reviewed studies. Of the 2523 studies, six were considered eligible. Identified procedures include forensic interviews following the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development Protocol, and risk and trauma assessments. While discussing technology's role in abuse during interviews was informative, confronting adolescents with evidence of their abuse had adverse effects on their testimony and recovery. The assessment tools often had a narrow focus or overlooked the abuse unless explicitly disclosed, implied a referral, or when safeguarding concerns were raised. Clinical, forensic, and criminal implications are elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vale
- Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - João P Gomes
- Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Marlene Matos
- Psychology Research Centre, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Quayle E, Larkin A, Schwannauer M, Varese F, Cartwright K, Chitsabesan P, Green V, Radford G, Richards C, Shafi S, Whelan P, Chan C, Hewins W, Newton A, Niebauer E, Sandys M, Ward J, Bucci S. Experiences of a digital health intervention for young people exposed to technology assisted sexual abuse: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:237. [PMID: 38549096 PMCID: PMC10979588 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05605-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that Technology Assisted Sexual Abuse (TASA) represents a serious problem for large numbers of children. To date, there are very few evidence-based interventions available to young people (YP) after they have been exposed to this form of abuse, and access to support services remains a challenge. Digital tools such as smartphones have the potential to increase access to mental health support and may provide an opportunity for YP to both manage their distress and reduce the possibility of further victimization. The current study explores the acceptability of a digital health intervention (DHI; the i-Minds app) which is a theory-driven, co-produced, mentalization-based DHI designed for YP aged 12-18 who have experienced TASA. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 YP recruited through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre and an e-therapy provider who had access to the i-Minds app as part of a feasibility clinical trial. Interviews focused on the acceptability and usability of i-Minds and were coded to themes based on the Acceptability of Healthcare Interventions framework. RESULTS All participants found the i-Minds app acceptable. Many aspects of the app were seen as enjoyable and useful in helping YP understand their abuse, manage feelings, and change behavior. The app was seen as usable and easy to navigate, but for some participants the level of text was problematic and aspects of the content was, at times, emotionally distressing at times. CONCLUSIONS The i-Minds app is useful in the management of TASA and helping change some risk-related vulnerabilities. The app was designed, developed and evaluated with YP who had experienced TASA and this may account for the high levels of acceptability seen. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered on the ISRCTN registry on the 12/04/2022 as i-Minds: a digital intervention for young people exposed to online sexual abuse (ISRCTN43130832).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethel Quayle
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amanda Larkin
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthias Schwannauer
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Filippo Varese
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kim Cartwright
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pauline Whelan
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Cindy Chan
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - William Hewins
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alice Newton
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Erica Niebauer
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marina Sandys
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jennifer Ward
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sandra Bucci
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Finkelhor D, Turner H, Colburn D. The prevalence of child sexual abuse with online sexual abuse added. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 149:106634. [PMID: 38227986 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Research efforts are measuring various forms of online sexual abuse. There is a need to incorporate such measures of online sexual abuse into the calculation of overall prevalence rates for child sexual abuse. PARTICIPANTS A sample of 2639 respondents aged 18-to-28 was recruited from a nationally representative online panel. METHODS Using an online questionnaire, respondents were assessed via self-report about 9 types of online sexual abuse in childhood and were also assessed with 2 questions that have been used to assess generic child sexual abuse prevalence in previous surveys. RESULTS The addition of the online abuse to the generic questions about child sexual abuse raised the overall prevalence rate from 13.5 % to 21.7 %. The rate for females increased from 19.8 % to 31.6 % and for males from 6.2 % to 10.8 %. The largest independent contribution to the overall combined increase were the offenses involving non-consensual image sharing and voluntary online sexual interactions with an impermissibly older adult partner. The inclusion of the online sexual abuse exposures also increased the ability to identify the survivors with the highest levels of current psychological distress. CONCLUSION The study highlights the importance of counting and including online sexual abuse in efforts to estimate the overall prevalence of childhood sexual abuse. The paper proposes 2 or 3 questions that could be added to sexual abuse questionnaires to assess these online offenses efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Finkelhor
- Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, 125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way, Durham, NH 03824, United States of America.
| | - Heather Turner
- Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, 125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way, Durham, NH 03824, United States of America
| | - Deirdre Colburn
- Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, 125 McConnell Hall, 15 Academic Way, Durham, NH 03824, United States of America
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Turner HA, Finkelhor D, Mitchell K, Colburn D. Prevalence of Technology-Facilitated Abuse Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youths. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2354485. [PMID: 38306097 PMCID: PMC10837746 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.54485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Digital communication and imaging technologies have created new opportunities for technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) and necessitate a better understanding of how and why the risk for TFA varies across different groups of youths. Objectives To compare the prevalence of TFA among youths across 5 different sexual and gender identity groups, and to identify risk factors that may explain variations in TFA risk. Design, Setting, and Participants A US nationally representative online survey was conducted among 2639 young adults recruited from the KnowledgePanel online panel from November 19 to December 29, 2021. Individuals aged 18 to 28 years were asked retrospectively about TFA and a variety of other youth experiences in childhood (aged <18 years). Main Outcomes and Measures Participants were asked about their sexual and gender identities, 11 types of TFA occurring before the age of 18 years, and several potential risk factors. Prevalence rates of any TFA were compared across sexual and gender identity groups, and analyses were conducted to identify risk factors that help explain group differences. Weights were developed to compensate for gender, education, race and ethnicity, household income, census region, and metropolitan status disproportions. Results Among the 2510 respondents (mean [SD] age, 24.8 [2.8] years) who provided gender and sexual identity information, 46.5% (95% CI, 41.9%-51.1%) were cisgender heterosexual females, 25.2% (95% CI, 21.6%-29.1%) were cisgender sexual minority females, 18.3% (95% CI, 14.4%-22.9%) were cisgender heterosexual males, 6.8% (95% CI, 4.6%-9.9%) were cisgender sexual minority males, and 3.3% (95% CI, 2.0%-5.4%) were gender minority individuals. The prevalence of TFA occurring before the age of 18 years was highest among sexual minority females (55.3%; 95% CI, 48.0%-62.4%) and gender minority individuals (53.4%; 95% CI, 33.5%-72.2%). Rates of sexting were highest among cisgender sexual minority females (38.8%; 95% CI, 19.1%-58.8%) and gender minority individuals (36.7%; 95% CI, 19.1%-58.8%) and represented the strongest risk factor for TFA exposure (odds ratio, 5.7; 95% CI, 4.0-8.0). However, it explained little variation in TFA across groups once early in-person adversity, sexual abuse, bullying, and maltreatment were taken into account. Conclusions and Relevance This study demonstrates the risk of TFA among sexual and gender minority youths and the need to target prevention efforts toward these vulnerable groups. In addition to strategies to reduce risky behavior, efforts to lower the risk of early sexual abuse, bullying, and maltreatment are likely to also be effective in decreasing TFA among these marginalized groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A. Turner
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
| | - David Finkelhor
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
| | - Kimberly Mitchell
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
| | - Deirdre Colburn
- Crimes Against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire
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