Correlates of in-person and technology-facilitated sexual harassment from an online survey among young Australians

Caitlin H. Douglass, Cassandra J.C. Wright, Angela C. Davis, Megan S.C. Lim

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

34 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background Technology-facilitated sexual harassment is an emerging phenomenon. This study investigates correlates of sexual harassment among young Australians. Methods: Participants aged 15-29 were recruited for an online survey. Participants reported how often in the past year they experienced sexual harassment in person, via phone, social media and dating apps. Correlates of in-person and technology-facilitated sexual harassment were identified using logistic regression. Results: Of all participants (n = 1272, 70% female), two-thirds reported sexual harassment in person, 34% through social media and 26% via phone. Of participants who used a dating app in the past year (n = 535), 57% experienced sexual harassment. Sexual harassment in person was correlated with being female (aOR = 9.2, CI = 6.9-12.2), trans and gender diverse (aOR = 2.6, CI = 1.2-5.7) and being aged 20-24 years (aOR = 1.5, CI = 1.1-2.1). Heterosexual identity reduced the odds of sexual harassment in person (aOR = 0.7, CI = 0.5-0.9). Technology-facilitated sexual harassment was correlated with female (aOR = 3.5, CI = 2.6-4.6) and trans and gender diverse identities (aOR = 3.0, CI = 1.4-6.5). Older age [25-29 years (aOR = 0.5, CI = 0.4-0.8)] and heterosexual identity (aOR = 0.7, CI = 0.5-0.9) significantly reduced the odds of technology-facilitated sexual harassment. Conclusion: Young people identifying as female, trans and gender diverse and non-heterosexual are at risk of in-person and technology-facilitated sexual harassment. Service and technology providers, academics, and policy makers must respond with innovative strategies. Journal compilation

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)361-365
Number of pages5
JournalSexual Health
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2018
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This study was funded by the Goldschlager Family Charitable Foundation and the Burnet Institute, which receives support from the Victorian Operational Infrastructure Support Program. Megan Lim is supported by the Jim and Margaret Beever Foundation.

Publisher Copyright:
© CSIRO. 2018.

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