JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The rapid proliferation of digital technology has precipitated the evolution of technology-facilitated sexual violence and abuse (TFSVA). TFSVA is an umbrella term encompassing a wide range of sexual harms perpetrated through digital means. This constant evolution presents significant challenges in precisely defining and categorizing TFSVA. Consequently, existing measurement tools often struggle to capture the multifaceted, dynamic and context-specific nature of TFSVA.

Objective:

This scoping review aimed to map and appraise current knowledge on measurements used to assess TFSVA.

Methods:

This scoping review, following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework, mapped existing TFSVA measurements by searching ten English- and Chinese-language databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, Index to Taiwan Periodical Literature, and Ariti Library) from inception to December 2024. Structural topic modeling (STM) and thematic analysis were conducted to analyze and report the results.

Results:

From 280 included studies, 199 distinct measurement instruments were identified. An analysis of their characteristics revealed a fragmented landscape. Most measurements focused on specific subdomains, primarily non-consensual sexting (64.32%), with less attention to online sexual harassment (12.06%), image-based sexual abuse (11.06%), online grooming (4.52%), and cyber dating abuse (3.52%). Over half (53.77%) covered both victimization and perpetration, while 40.20% focused solely on victimization. The vast majority (92.46%) measured behaviors, with attitudes and motivations being rarely assessed. An analysis of questionnaire items using STM identified four dominant topics: (1) sexual content and interaction, (2) digital and online context, (3) consent and boundaries, and (4) relational dynamics. A subsequent thematic analysis further highlighted five themes: TFSVA acts, related attitudes and beliefs, motivational factors, tactical and contextual dynamics, and victim impact.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate that current measures are concentrated on narrow subdomains and often overlook crucial elements like consent, contextual nuances, and relational dynamics across diverse populations and platforms. This review underscores the pressing need for robust, culturally sensitive, and comprehensive instruments to capture the full complexity of TFSVA. Clinical Trial: The study was registered with the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Q5ETW) on March 13, 2024.