NCJ Number
228426
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: 2009 Pages: 279-291
Date Published
2009
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study focused on the identification of early risk factors for physical violence in stalking incidents that would enable police to take appropriate preventive action.
Abstract
The five-factor model developed for identifying the risk for physical violence early in a stalking scenario consists of prior violence, the combination of ex-partners and threats, the combination of ex-partners and substance abuse, the combination of threats and vandalism, and the combination of substance abuse and vandalism. The authors advise, however, that in spite of the significant predictors and the increase in the number of correct predictions of physical violence, further analyses are needed in order to determine the extent to which the model explains behaviors across a broad range of stalking scenarios. Also, a further exploration of triggering events as risk factors for physical violence is needed, along with an examination of other potential risk factors, such as mental disorders, the duration of the stalking, and other behavior patterns. It is possible that other sources - such as information from interviews with the suspect and victims, expert reports, etc. - will reveal other risk factors needed to modify or complete the prediction model. Risk factors in the final model must then be incorporated in the information uniformly obtained by police in the course of investigating stalking incidents. Various interventions must then be tested for their effectiveness in preventing violence against the stalking victim. The risk factors for physical violence in the current study were identified based on a literature review, content analysis of 204 judicial files, and testing interaction terms. 2 tables and 33 references