NCJ Number
208603
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2001 Pages: 86-94
Date Published
January 2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study explored the provision of crime-victim services to stalking victims.
Abstract
Over the past decade there has been increasing research attention paid to the problem of stalking. Although victims of stalking suffer deleterious psychological, social, and physical outcomes, the research literature is silent on service delivery to stalking victims. The current study relied on data from a 40-item questionnaire mailed to all victim services programs listed in Florida and California. The questionnaires asked respondents to describe and evaluate the needs of stalking victims and to identify the community response to victims of stalking. Of the 191 respondents, questionnaires were completed by 161 agencies, while another 30 questionnaires were partially completed. Results indicated that perceptions about stalking victims and provision of services varied widely depending upon the type of program (criminal justice versus private or university-based programs). The findings also revealed that victims of nondomestic stalking were underserved, according to respondents, and when services were provided, they were offered in an inconsistent manner. Suggestions for service provision improvement include greater service provider education and training on stalking. References