A High School’s Approach to Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence Among Students in Chicago

The increasing use of digital technology among youth has contributed to increased rates of technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV), defined by Powell and Henry (2018) as sexual violence perpetrated using digital communication technologies. Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, K-12 schools are required to address incidents of sexual misconduct, including off-campus incidents (Hill & Kearl, 2011). Within the Chicago Public Schools District (CPS), the Office of Student Protections and Title IX (OSP) is responsible for managing the district’s response to allegations of sexual misconduct, including TFSV. A single case study of the CPS District, with an embedded unit consisting of a high school, was implemented to understand the school’s response to TFSV in the context of an office such as OSP, the factors that influence its response, and resources needed to improve its efforts. Data collection included interviews with 7 school personnel, a group discussion with 4 OSP personnel, and sourcing relevant district- and school-level documents. Data was analyzed using framework analysis and deductive thematic analysis. Findings revealed the school used a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework to guide its approach. Strategies implemented in the school were influenced by pre-existing CPS initiatives and policies and mandated Title IX processes and procedures. Factors related to the school’s and district’s organizational structures, processes, and resources; the characteristics of students and staff; the school climate; and the nature of TFSV itself influenced the school’s approach to TFSV. Participants emphasized the need for a more comprehensive and proactive approach towards TFSV, which included preventive education for students and parents; resources, such as funding, skilled staff, physical space, professional development, and additional structures to support communication and collaboration; and lastly, improvements in policies, procedures, and existing response practices in the school. These findings highlight the need for a holistic, proactive, planned approach to ensure an effective and sustainable school response to TFSV, which includes prevention education, skilled and trained staff, school-level procedures, ongoing professional development, and access to data and evidence-based strategies. Future research should explore schools' responses across different K-12 contexts and student demographics, and school responses to specific TFSV-related behaviors.

Author dc:creator

• Kristen Aisa Belcher (24399995)

• Health Sciences, Public Health
• Education, Health

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright
• Open Access after 2028-05-01

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.25417/uic.32995028.v1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:figshare.com:article/32995028