NCJ Number
192040
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 46 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 1403-1410
Date Published
November 2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined the factors associated with violent/aggressive behavior in stalkers by using a sample of 100 Canadian cases of persons charged with criminal harassment (stalking).
Abstract
Case studies were selected from two databases: Lexis-Nexis, a legal database that contains selected cases from Canadian courts; and Canadian News-Disc 1993 to 1999, a news database that contains news stories from the major newspapers across Canada. This effort yielded 100 usable cases between August 1993 and December 1999. Given that the sample contained cases from various Provinces and involved varying degrees of criminal behavior, it was believed that the sample was representative of perpetrators of this crime. The dependent variable, degree of violent/aggressive behavior leading to current criminal charges, was rated on a 7-point interval/ratio scale that ranged from no physical violence or threats of violence by the stalker to the most serious aggressive/violent behavior, including such crimes as attempted/counseling murder, murder, kidnapping, and rape. Six predictors were rated on a 5-point interval/ratio scale. Results show that the typical profile of a "simple obsessional" type stalker was a middle-aged male, single or separated/estranged, with a history of emotional and/or anger management problems. The most common initial strategies used by the victims to cope with the stalkers were oriented toward legal resources. Initial legal remedies, including court orders or police warnings, seemed to be ineffective as a strategy to stop stalking, given that most stalkers chose to ignore them. The study also provided partial support for a preliminary model of predictors of violent/aggressive behavior in stalkers. Stalkers with previous violent behaviors, strong negative emotions, and obsessional tendencies toward the victim may be most at risk of future violent and aggressive acts. 1 figure, 8 tables, and 43 references