Jerry Finn

A Survey of Online Harassment at a University Campus

This exploratory study of 339 students at the University of New Hampshire found that approximately 10% to 15% of students reported receiving repeated e-mail or Instant Messenger (I-M) messages that “threatened, insulted, or harassed,” and more than half of the students received unwanted pornography. Approximately 7% of students reported online harassment to an authority. Messages originated from strangers, acquaintances, and significant others. No difference in online harassment was found based on demographic variables except sexual orientation. Sexual minority students were more likely to receive online harassment from strangers than were heterosexual students. Implications for further research and for policy/program development are discussed.

The relationship between sex role attitudes and attitudes supporting marital violence

This study explored the relationship between attitudes toward sex roles and attitudes endorsing the legitimacy of physical force by men in the marital relationship. Approximately 40% of this sample of 300 college undergraduates were black, allowing black-white comparisons on these variables as well. The results support a sociocultural analysis of spouse abuse. A moderately strong positive relationship was found between traditional sex role preferences and attitudes supporting the use of physical force. In addition, men were found to hold more traditional sex role attitudes than women and were more likely to endorse the use of physical force in the marital relationship. Whites were found to be more traditional in their sex role attitudes than blacks, but no racial differences were found with regard to attitudes endorsing physical force. Further analysis revealed that traditional sex role attitudes were the most powerful predictor of attitudes supporting marital violence, while race and sex played a relatively unimportant role. Implications for spouse-abuse prevention program are discussed.

Intimate Partner Violence, Technology, and Stalking

This research note describes the use of a broad range of technologies in intimate partner stalking, including cordless and cellular telephones, fax machines, e-mail, Internet-based harassment, global positioning systems, spy ware, video cameras, and online databases. The concept of “stalking with technology” is reviewed, and the need for an expanded definition of cyberstalking is presented. Legal issues and advocacy-centered responses, including training, legal remedies, public policy issues, and technology industry practices, are discussed.

The Stresses and Coping Behavior of Battered Women

A study of battered women found that they experience stress from multiple sources but are deficient in coping skills; both men and women involved in marital violence fail to use problem-solving strategies. Ways of helping include the teaching of coping skills and program coordination.

A descriptive study of e‐counsellor attitudes, ethics, and practice

Abstract Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine questions related to the process, perceived outcomes, and ethics of therapists who provide counselling and therapy online. Method: An online survey was conducted (N=93) with identified e-counsellors with at least a Masters Degree. Questions included demographic information and Likert-type scales related to extent of practice, theoretical orientation, training and supervision, attitudes about appropriate practice, referral, legal and ethical issues, practice difficulties, and therapist satisfaction. Results: Overall, e-counsellors are satisfied with their practice and believe it is effective. They generally do not have formal training or supervision in online practice. Current e-counselling appears to be a part-time, supplemental practice with little overlap to FTF practice. There was little agreement among respondents on attitudes, practice, ethical issues, and knowledge of regulations related to e-counselling. Discussion: Lack of consensus ...

An Exploratory Study of Email Use by Direct Service Social Workers

ABSTRACT A survey of 384 Central Pennsylvania social workers explored email use, attitudes, and difficulties. Results found that approximately three-fourths of social workers use email at work, primarily with co-workers. Almost one-third has used email with clients, although the majority of social workers believe that email for therapeutic purposes is both unethical and ineffective. A small minority of social workers has experienced difficulties that include violating a clients confidentiality through email, sending email to the wrong person, and receiving harassing email. There is considerable variation in agency policy and training related to email. Implications for agency policy and continuing education are discussed.

MSW Student Perceptions of the Efficacy and Ethics of Internet-Based Therapy

This study reports on the results of a survey of 378 MSW students that asked about their attitudes regarding the efficacy and the ethics of online psychotherapeutic services (e-therapy).The students’ perceptions varied considerably, but there was a moderately strong association between the belief that the ethical requirements of practice can be met online and positive attitudes about the efficacy of e-therapy. Students had little direct experience with e-therapy and generally did not discuss the issue in practice classes. Implications for social work education are discussed and suggestions are made for incorporating e-therapy content into the practice curriculum.

Promoting the safe and strategic use of technology for victims of intimate partner violence: evaluation of the technology safety project.

The Technology Safety Project of the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence was designed to increase awareness and knowledge of technology safety issues for domestic violence victims, survivors, and advocacy staff. The project used a “train the trainer” model and provided computer and Internet resources to domestic violence service providers in order to (1) increase safe computer and Internet access for domestic violence survivors in Washington; (2) reduce the risk posed by abusers by educating survivors about technology safety and privacy; and (3) increase the ability of survivors to help themselves and their children through information technology. Evaluation of the project suggests that the program is needed, useful, and effective. Consumer satisfaction was high and there was perceived improvement in computer confidence and knowledge of computer safety. Areas for future program development and further research are discussed.

Internet Risks for Foster Families Online

ABSTRACT Foster parents and children (n = 64 families) who participated in a program to reduce the digital divide among foster children were surveyed about difficulties experienced in use of online communications. Providing Internet access to foster families increased Internet use, but was not perceived by parents or children as taking away time from other family or social relationships. A minority of parents and foster youth, however, reported a variety of problems ranging from benign arguments over access to the computer or frustration over equipment failure to serious concerns about children receiving pornography or meeting a sexual predator online. Although the majority of both parents and social workers were confident in their ability to deal with Internet-related problems, approximately one-third had low confidence in their ability to deal with foster familys Internet-related difficulties. Training foster parents on using filtering software to prevent pornography from coming into the childs experience of the Internet significantly reduced problems related to pornography when compared to foster families not in the program. Implications for social work practice are discussed.

A survey of domestic violence organizations on the World Wide Web

SUMMARY This paper presents the results of an exploratory study of one hundred sixty-six domestic violence organizations that use the World Wide Web. Domestic violence agencies primarily used the Web to promote agency visibility and provide community education, and to a lesser extent for advocacy, direct services, and securing resources. Agency satisfaction with their Website is generally high, although more than one-third of agencies reported problems. Related issues discussed include Web-based sources of client victimization, agency legal liability, agency vulnerability to online disruption, the need to create access for low-income clients, and evaluation of Web services.