NCJ Number
232970
Date Published
June 2009
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This guide presents information for victim service providers, volunteers, and other concerned community members about how to design and implement a stalking support group, which is intended to help alleviate the sense of alienation and fear that stalking causes in its victims by giving them the opportunity to be in a safe, understanding, and instructive group.
Abstract
The first chapter reviews the benefits of stalking support groups and describes the development of such a group in southern Maryland. This is followed by a chapter that presents information on stalking and its impact on victims. It also suggests methods for identifying local community responses to stalking, conducting a needs assessment, and collaborating with community agencies. The third chapter focuses on the planning stage, which involves determining membership criteria, the format for the group sessions, and potential challenges. Other issues discussed in this chapter are the choice of a location for group meetings, the development of a group safety plan, and researching legal responsibilities. The fourth chapter provides guidance on how group facilitators can prepare for facilitating a stalking support group, including obtaining necessary training, determining a facilitator skill sets, and examining personal readiness to lead a support group. This is followed by a chapter that suggests ideas for safely publicizing information about a stalking support group, and it offers tips on how to screen potential support group members. The concluding chapter addresses the group's work, which consists of the creation of a safe and supportive group environment; the management of the phases through which support groups typically evolve (initial stage, transitioning stage, middle or working stage, and the ending stage); facilitator challenges; and members who need additional support and referrals. Appended samples of a curriculum, a meeting agenda, and weekly topics