The Australian Institute of Family Studies explored the role of emerging communication technologies in experiences of sexual violence. These discussions were based on roundtables and included participants from sexual assault services, and the education, criminal justice and youth sectors.
There is an emerging evidence base that documents the risks youth take when using online and other communication technologies, such as mobile phones, that potentially increases their exposure to negative behaviour from peers and adults. Two of the outcomes of this research critical to sexologists are to: Reframe the area under investigation as being about the role of emerging communication technologies in peer, romantic and sexual relations hips, in which issues of consent, negotiation and respect can be explored. Provide counselling services that ensure participants who did offer experience of sexual violence have a debriefing pathway; or develop an online space that is directly linked to or part of the service. Their views also suggest that an educational response is crucial particularly in relation to gendered expectations, respectful and ethical relationships, and responsible digital citizenship.