This paper summarizes the findings of a study exploring the costs and consequences of technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) in intimate partner violence (IPV).
This study, undertaken with Dr. Mark Cohen, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI), and IPSOS, the Justice Information Resource Network, assessed the costs and consequences associated with three types of technology-facilitated abuse within the context of IPV: cyberstalking, image-based sexual abuse (IBSA), and doxing. The results revealed that approximately 16% of the respondents experienced at least one type of TFA in their lifetime. Women were significantly more likely to experience each of the five TFA measures compared to males, and non-cisgender respondents were more likely to experience each measure relative to both cisgender males and females. White respondents were the least likely to be victimized across four of the five TFA measures. Multiracial or ‘other’ race respondents were most likely to experience each TFA measure. Straight respondents were less likely to experience cyberstalking, doxing, and any victimization relative to those who identify as gay/lesbian, bisexual, or another orientation. Gay/lesbian respondents were least likely to experience IBSA, while bisexual respondents were least likely to experience poly-victimization. The average age for those who experienced TFA victimization in the past year was 47 years old for doxing, 46 for cyberstalking, and 39 for IBSA. Separated respondents were most likely to experience each of the TFA measures compared to those who were married, widowed, divorced, or never married. Married respondents had the lowest rates of victimization in the past year for cyberstalking, doxing, and any victimization, while widowed respondents were least likely to experience IBSA. The direct financial impact of victimization is estimated to be $8,874. The survey also found non-pecuniary harms that might result in either monetary losses and/or mental anguish. The study found that the typical individual was willing to pay between $75 and $85 annually to reduce each of the three crime types.