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Research on stalking: what do we know and where do we go?
1Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208, USA.
Violence and Victims
|April 6, 2001
Summary
Stalking affects many young adults, with repeated victimization reported by up to 62%. Definitions of stalking vary, impacting who is identified as a victim or perpetrator.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Stalking is a complex phenomenon with significant public health implications.
- Previous research, including the National Violence Against Women Survey, has laid groundwork for understanding stalking behaviors.
- A nuanced understanding of stalking requires examining diverse definitions and their impact on prevalence and perpetrator characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize findings from a two-volume series on stalking.
- To add to the existing literature on defining and measuring stalking behaviors.
- To explore the characteristics of stalking victims and perpetrators, including emotional reactions and coping strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of findings from a two-volume series on stalking.
- Analysis of data building upon the National Violence Against Women Survey.
- Examination of studies employing various definitions of stalking.
Main Results:
- Up to 62% of young adults report repeated stalking victimization, with prevalence varying by sample and definition.
- Discrepancies exist between self-definitions of stalking victimization and legal definitions.
- While legally defined stalkers are predominantly men targeting women, other definitions reveal more female stalkers and fewer gender differences.
- Stalking often occurs within a broader context of relationship abuse.
Conclusions:
- The definition of stalking significantly influences reported rates and gender dynamics.
- Stalking is frequently associated with other forms of interpersonal abuse.
- Further research is needed to fully understand victim experiences and perpetrator typologies.
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