NCJ Number
205407
Date Published
2004
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This chapter explores the nature of stalking and examines the legal sanctions and alternative modes of intervention used to combat stalking.
Abstract
Stalking, which generally involves a set of harassing behaviors, is now a criminal act in most developed countries. Stalking is not a new phenomenon, but the prevalence of such in modern society is relatively new, perhaps aided by the ready access to surveillance technology and the greater emancipation of women. The authors review the research literature that attempts to define stalking and characterize the victims and perpetrators of stalking. Victims of stalking are similar across age, gender, and marital status; the majority of victims are young single women between the ages of 18 and 30 who have a history of abuse. The majority of stalking perpetrators are men who have had a previous intimate relationship with the victim; but overall, potential stalkers are difficult to identify. The legislative history of stalking is reviewed, beginning with the 1990 California law making stalking a criminal offense. All 50 States plus most developed countries have outlawed stalking, although wide variation can be seen in the various anti-stalking laws. Victims play a role in the way stalking is legally defined. Anti-stalking laws frequently require the victim to experience or display negative effects of stalking. Given the relative newness of anti-stalking legislation, debate is likely to continue concerning the range of behaviors that can be defined as stalking. Finally, alternative modes of intervention are considered, such as a multidisciplinary approach to risk assessment with the goal of preventing the stalking behavior. Victims should also be offered counseling given the negative mental health outcomes observed in stalking victims. The judiciary, police officers, clinicians, and academics should all be involved in the sanctioning and treatment of stalking offenders and the counseling of victims. References