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Stalking: false claims of victimisation
M Pathé1, P E Mullen, R Purcell
1Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health, Rosanna, Australia.
Summary
False stalking victims, though uncommon, present earlier for help and consume more medical services. Early identification is crucial to support genuine victims and aid those making false claims.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Victimology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- False allegations of victimisation, while uncommon, require recognition.
- This study focuses on individuals who falsely claim to be victims of stalking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and patterns of individuals falsely claiming to be victims of stalking.
- To differentiate false stalking victims from genuine victims.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 12 individuals who falsely claimed stalking victimisation.
- Comparison group comprised 100 individuals with genuine stalking victimisation.
Main Results:
- False victims sought help earlier and reported less letter-based harassment than genuine victims.
- Equivalent levels of self-reported violence were noted, but false victims seldom reported harm to others.
- False claimants utilized more medical services, were more involved in legal actions, and reported high distress, including suicidal ideation in over 40%.
Conclusions:
- Increased societal interest in stalking may inadvertently encourage false claims.
- Prompt identification and intervention for false claimants are vital.
- This supports resource allocation for genuine victims and appropriate care for individuals with disordered states manifesting as false claims.