APATAP 2019 Annual Conference

A complex case of cyber abuse from an Australian University setting is presented, within the context of campus threat assessment and management. With the rapid development of the online world, has come online threats that pose new challenges to campus threat assessment and management teams. There is no current consensus on best practice for online threat assessment and management or guidelines around the organisation's duty of care and responsibilities. As a result, targets are often left vulnerable and without recourse, and organisations scramble to appropriately respond to and manage online threats.

The case being presented involved technology-facilitated abuse, experienced by more than 20 students, all of whom identified with an intellectual disability. The harassment persisted over a 6 month period via social media, and the perpetrator/s were never identified, however, were assumed to be part of the University community. The case had a significant impact on three vulnerable cohort groups of students, the academic staff, and support service staff. The case was investigated and managed by the University, in partnership with external specialist agencies.

This presentation will summarise the issues and interventions up to the point of case closure, to demonstrate the approach to case management and resolution. The focus will be on highlighting the challenges and successes experienced, as well as the lessons learned.