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The Resident-intruder Paradigm: A Standardized Test for Aggression, Violence and Social Stress
Published on: July 4, 2013
An empirical study of stalking victimization
1Department of Criminal Justice, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 28223, USA.
Violence and Victims
|April 6, 2001
Summary
College students experience significant stalking rates, with women disproportionately affected. Threats from stalkers increase fear and risk of physical attack, especially for female victims.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Stalking is a prevalent issue affecting college populations.
- Understanding victim demographics and offender patterns is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically investigate stalking prevalence and characteristics among college students.
- To identify risk factors and consequences associated with stalking victimization.
Main Methods:
- Random sampling of students at a large public university.
- Data collection on lifetime and current stalking experiences.
- Analysis of victim responses and associated threats.
Main Results:
- 25% of women and 11% of men reported lifetime stalking; 6% were currently victims.
- Most victims are women stalked by men.
- Average stalking duration was 347 days.
- Threats correlated with increased fear and physical attack risk, particularly for women.
Conclusions:
- Stalking poses a significant threat to college students, especially women.
- Victimization is associated with prolonged distress and heightened risk of physical harm.
- Further research and intervention strategies are warranted.
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