Online abuse: problematic for all Australians
Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice
ISSN: 2056-3841
Article publication date: 25 May 2022
Issue publication date: 30 May 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to disseminate results from research into three forms of online abuse: text messages, picture messages and online stalking.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a mixed methods design, qualitative and quantitative datasets were derived from an online anonymous questionnaire to identify themes associated with incidents of online abuse.
Findings
Women of all ages have experienced online abuse from men and other women. Men have also been targets of online abuse from other men and women.
Research limitations/implications
Researchers should strive to include mature-aged cohorts.
Practical implications
Researchers should not limit themselves to education settings for their sampling. Online abuse may meet the legal definition of “psychic assault”. The recent legislation against online abuse needs to extend beyond protecting young people and children. Social media owners must take more responsibility for the content on their platforms.
Social implications
The results from this research strongly suggest that gender alone is no longer pivotal to ones’ vulnerability to online abusers.
Originality/value
This research uses a more age-inclusive sample to include the experiences of people aged 25–75, who have largely been excluded from previous studies that have concentrated on the 18–25 age group.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author would like to acknowledge Dr Susan Mowbray for her critique of his work.
Citation
Lee, C. (2022), "Online abuse: problematic for all Australians", Journal of Criminological Research, Policy and Practice, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 120-134. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRPP-02-2022-0006
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited