RT Article
T1 Impact and consequences of sexual offences in the metaverse using the example of virtual rape
JF Deviant behavior
VO 46
IS 9
SP 1139
OP 1154
A1 Steffes, Bianca
A1 Zichler, Anna
A1 Salemi, Simone
A1 Schneider, Tim
A2 Zichler, Anna
A2 Salemi, Simone
A2 Schneider, Tim
LA English
YR 2025
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1935272314
AB The metaverse is an online environment in which people, represented by their avatars, can interact in virtual spaces. Harmful activities may occur as avatars interact. In particular, sexual crimes might be a serious problem in the metaverse. In this interdisciplinary article, we discuss virtual rape in the metaverse. To this end, we provide a legal analysis of the relevant issues, exemplified by German criminal law, and discuss whether a sexual offense can be committed without physical contact. The legal issues are flanked by a psychological assessment of how various factors of the metaverse can influence the psychological and physical perceptions of users. In a final step, we address technical measures that might be appropriate to protect users from sexual assault based on legal and psychological considerations.
NO Literaturverzeichnis: Seite 1150-1154
K1 Sexualdelikt
K1 Cyberkriminalität
K1 Prävention
K1 Sexualstrafrecht
K1 Kriminologie
DO 10.1080/01639625.2025.2469807