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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 361-365 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Sexual Health |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
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.