Cyber-Abuse Research Initiative (CARI)
Problem
A lack of rigorous data on Technology Facilitated Abuse within the general U.S. population preclude evidence-based approaches to prevent abuse and support survivors.
Individuals are increasingly reliant on technology and reporting more expansive online connectivity. But there is a lack of rigorous research on how commonly these connections result in technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) victimization or perpetration. As technology continues to evolve, we must better understand the prevalence, nature, context, costs, and life impact of TFA to inform policy and programs aimed at preventing TFA and adequately supporting survivors.
Solution
A groundbreaking study of on TFA victimization and perpetration among U.S. young adults.
With funding from OVW, Principal Investigator Elizabeth Mumford partnered with Dr. Emily Rothman (Boston University) and the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) to collect nationally representative data on TFA.
The research team collaborated with TFA survivors to design a new instrument to collect information on the scope and nature of the problem, survivors’ help-seeking and access to services, and unmet needs. Nationally representative data was collected from a weighted sample of 2,752 adults ages 18 to 35 using NORC’s probability-based panel AmeriSpeak.
This research is designed to support the development of policies, protocols, programs, and services that limit the incidence of TFA, to strengthen law enforcement and victim services programming responses to victimization with scientific data, and to inform prevention efforts.
Result
Insights about the prevalence of TFA victimization and victims’ help-seeking behaviors.
The CARI study provided wealth of information on the prevalence of TFA and victim experiences of TFA. Key insights, also available from NNEDV at www.techsafety.org/cari, included:
- 7 out of 10 young adults have experienced TFA.
- The numbers are even higher for LGBTQ+ people. Nearly 9 in 10 people (86%) who are trans or non-binary experienced TFA.
- Less than 30% of people who experienced TFA sought professional help.
- People who experienced technology-facilitated abuse by a current or former intimate partner were less likely to seek help from law enforcement or the legal system.
Related Tags
Project Leads
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Elizabeth Mumford
Senior FellowPrincipal Investigator -
Alycia Bayne
Associate DirectorSenior Staff
Data & Findings
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opens in new tabStress, Suicidality, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Emotional Distress, and Social Isolation Among U.S. Adults Experiencing Online Abuse or Harassment
Journal Article | September 14, 2023
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opens in new tabTechnology-Facilitated Abuse Among Americans Age 50 and Older: A Latent Class Analysis.
Journal Article | April 1, 2023
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opens in new tabExperiences of Technology-Facilitated Abuse Among Sexual and Gender Minorities
Journal Article | January 1, 2023
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opens in new tabTechnology-facilitated abuse of young adults in the United States A latent class analysis
Journal Article | January 1, 2023
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opens in new tabU.S. Young Adults’ Professional Help-Seeking in Response to Technology-Facilitated Abuse
Journal Article | December 15, 2022
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opens in new tabThe Victim-Offender Overlap in Technology-Facilitated Abuse: Nationally Representative Findings Among U.S. Young Adults
Journal Article | December 1, 2022