NCJ Number
153512
Date Published
1993
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This document presents an overview of the psychology of stalking and stalkers, and intervention procedures as related to domestic violence stalkers.
Abstract
Individuals who stalk ex-significant others may carry a diagnosis such as manic-depressive, schizophrenia, paranoia or delusional disorder. This guideline suggests that the common feature of stalkers of individuals from past relationships is narcissistic injury. Stalking in the service of narcissism is also the hypothesized feature of stalking related to gangs, rapes, and perhaps serial killings. Individuals who stalk respond to narcissistic injury by devising strategies they believe will heal the wound. Three major strategies have been identified in batterers who stalk that produce abusive and destructive behavior: Reconciliation, Vindication, and Revenge. The document includes case examples of these strategies. The first goal of intervention with stalkers is stabilization, the same process used with batterers who are on the verge of violence or suicide. There is a section on treatment for batterers, a Stalking Behavior Checklist, and an Obsession Checklist.