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Stalking by females.
F Carabellese1, D La Tegola, E Alfarano
1Department of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari, Italy.
Medicine, Science, and the Law
|June 14, 2013
Summary
This review examines female stalking, noting women stalkers use diverse tactics with less physical violence. However, erotomania and prior intimate relationships increase violence risk.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Stalking is a recognized pattern of harassment.
- Understanding gender-specific behaviors in stalking is crucial for effective intervention and legal frameworks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and characterize the phenomenon of stalking perpetrated by women.
- To identify specific traits, tactics, and risk factors associated with female stalkers.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of major medical and psychological databases (Medline, SSRN, Apa Psyc Net).
- Selection and analysis of 67 relevant articles, including clinical studies, case reports, and reviews.
- Synthesis of findings on tactics, motivations, and victim-offender dynamics.
Main Results:
- Female stalkers employ various tactics, with a generally lower propensity for physical violence compared to male counterparts.
- Erotomania is more prevalent in female stalkers, correlating with an elevated risk of violence.
- Previous intimate relationships with the victim significantly increase the likelihood of violence.
- Occupational settings, particularly psychotherapy, are common arenas for female stalking, often in environments with a reversed gender ratio.
- No significant motivational differences were found between heterosexual and homosexual female stalkers.
Conclusions:
- Female stalking presents distinct characteristics, including specific psychological profiles and situational contexts.
- While physical violence may be less common, certain factors like erotomania and prior relationships heighten risk.
- The occupational setting, especially in gender-imbalanced fields, is a notable context for female stalking.
- Stalking is a prominent form of harassment committed by women in certain jurisdictions, such as Italy.
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