Project exploring cyber-victimisation against disabled people, which has long-term health impacts and worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic.
| Lead institution | |
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| Principal researcher(s) |
Dr Zhraa Alhaboby
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| Collaboration and partnership |
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| Level of research |
Professional/work based
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| Project start date |
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| Date due for completion |
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Research context
The Covid-19 pandemic redefined our norms and raised concerns over the escalation of discrimination against disabled people. This included the cyber-victimisation of disabled people, a prevalent phenomenon that impacts physical health, mental wellbeing, social relationships and living conditions.
The project team engaged with disabled people with a range of disabilities and chronic conditions who shared their experiences of online communication during the pandemic, how online harassment impacted their self-management of health, and reflections on the support available. The results were further contextualised with Police Scotland to identify ways to improve formal support available to disabled victims.
Research methodology
The project uses mixed-method research, drawing upon quantitative data (survey) and qualitative data (interviews) from disabled people in Scotland. This was achieved via an online survey disseminated in collaboration with disability organisations in Scotland and social media campaigns.
Interim reports or publications
Dr Zhraa Alhaboby, 'The cyber-victimisation of disabled people in Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic', [internet] The Open University [Accessed August 2024]