NCJ Number
179453
Journal
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 43 Issue: 5 Dated: June 1998 Pages: 473-476
Date Published
June 1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Stalking is examined with respect to the behaviors involved, epidemiology, motivation of offenders, and the mental health consequences for the victims, based on computerized literature searches of psychiatric and legal journals and an analysis of publications from victims' and women's organizations.
Abstract
The analysis focuses on the situations in Canada and the United States. Results revealed that up to 1 in 20 women will be stalked during her lifetime. The majority of stalking victims are female; offenders are usually male. Stalking behaviors range from surveillance to threatening aggressive or violent acts. The majority of stalking relates to failed intimate relationships. Stalkers may also suffer from erotomania or obsessional love with a primary psychiatric diagnosis. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, guilt, helplessness, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Findings indicated that stalking is a serious offense perpetrated by mentally disturbed offenders and that it can cause major mental health consequences, of which society often has little understanding. See NCJ 179454 for Part II. 25 references (Author abstract modified)