Using Routine Activity Theory to Predict Technology- Facilitated Violence Among U.S. Adults During COVID-19.

Abstract

Using routine activity theory (RAT), the present study investigated predictors of two types of technology-facilitated violence: cyber obsessional pursuit victimization (COPV) and Cyber Aggression in Relationships Scale (CARS), during COVID-19 among a sample of U.S. adults (N = 2,975). Results revealed that target attractiveness in terms of gender, age, and racial/ethnic background predicted both intimate (CARS) and nonintimate (COPV) cyber violence. For target exposure, technology use and the perceived ability to protect one's privacy predicted both types of cyber violence. Previous experience of in-person intimate partner violence explained the largest amount of variance in both types of technology-facilitated violence victimization.