Document Type
Honors
Department
Justice Studies Program
Rights Management
Rhode Island College
Abstract
Previous research illustrates that college age students experience relationship abuse and sexual assault. I test lifestyle-routine activities theory to determine how college students perceive non-stranger relationship abuse and/or sexual assault and if both are occurring on a college campus, off a college campus, or through technology, including social media. Like previous studies, this one found that alcohol played a role in victimization. Also, more male participants than female participants were likely to be harassed through social media than in actual physical locations, such as at a bar or a private party. Findings from this study show that both women and men experience cyberstalking/ cyber-harassment, and that the use of social media is a predictor of coercive tactics. This study contributes to the literature by acknowledging the limitations of lifestyle-routine activities theory. Despite its wide applicability, it failed to adequately explain social media's effect on relationship abuse and sexual assault.
Recommended Citation
Parenteau, Jessica, "Perceptions and Occurrences of Relationship Abuse and Sexual Assault" (2014). Honors Projects Overview. 101.
https://digitalcommons.ric.edu/honors_projects/101
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