A Typology of Stalking Victims' Nonreporting Justifications: Objective Measures Related to Help-Seeking Behavior

This study applies rational choice and neutralization theories to examine stalking victims' nonreporting behaviors using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey's Supplemental Victimization Survey. Latent class analysis revealed four subgroups based on rationales for not reporting: denial of stalker's intent (7.4%), rejection of victim identity (18.3%), lack of rationale (53.4%), and denial of serious harm (21.2%). Findings align with Weiss's framework, showing how perceptions of severity and victim-offender relationships influence reporting. Victims stalked by strangers were more likely to seek help. Results highlight the need for risk assessments and tailored interventions to increase reporting among reluctant victims.