80% of Canadian university students experience online abuse, and only 20% of universities address technology-facilitated sexual violence in their programs.

Canadian institutions are struggling to adapt their policies and programs to address technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV), as 80% of Canadian university students have experienced at least one form of online abuse. TFSV encompasses various online harassment methods, including non-consensual sexual imagery, cyberstalking, and spreading misogynistic narratives through social media. While efforts to combat gender-based discrimination, abuse, and sexual violence have increased, institutions have not kept up with the rapid pace of technological advancements. Only one-fifth of the 81 Canadian universities and community-based organizations surveyed addressed TFSV in their anti-violence education or training programs, due to limited resources, time for front-line workers, and limited access to resources translating research into practice. Sustained support is needed to help Canadian institutions adapt to the changing landscape of TFSV and online abuse.

August 10, 2024
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