Defining and Conceptualizing Technology-Facilitated Abuse ("Tech Abuse"): Findings of a Global Delphi Study.

ABSTRACT: Technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) describes the misuse or repurposing of digital systems to harass, coerce, or abuse. It is a global problem involving both existing and emerging technologies. Despite significant work across research, policy, and practice to understand the issue, the field operates within linguistic, conceptual, and disciplinary silos, inhibiting collaboration. To address this, the present study used the Delphi technique to reach a consensus on TFA conceptualization, definition, terminology, and measurement among subject experts. Following a literature review, a global, cross-disciplinary sample of academics, practitioners, and policymakers (n = 316) reflected on TFA across three survey rounds. The results showed both aligned and opposing perspectives. "Technology"

SUBMITTER: Koukopoulos N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12662827 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature