Online dating app facilitated sexual violence victimisation among people with disability

By Heather Wolbers and Hayley Boxal

People with disability are at an increased risk of sexual violence. The extent of this increased risk online, particularly in the context of online dating, is unclear as research on dating app facilitated sexual violence (DAFSV) is in its infancy.

This study examines the prevalence and nature of online DAFSV experienced by people with disability (n=1,155), using data from a large national survey of dating platform users (n=9,987).

Overall, 88 percent of users with disability experienced some form of online DAFSV. Rates of harm were significantly higher for users with disability than for users without disability. Further, women and First Nations users with disability were particularly at risk of victimisation.

Findings support the urgency of responses to protect those most at risk of harm facilitated by online dating platforms.

Trends & issues in crime and criminal justice no. 695. 

Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology. 2024. 18p.