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Stalkers: the South Carolina experience
D Schwartz-Watts1, D W Morgan, C J Barnes
1Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia 29203, USA.
The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|January 1, 1997
Summary
This study found that pretrial detainees accused of stalking were more educated and had military training, unlike other offenders. These stalkers were less likely to be married or abuse substances, suggesting a distinct profile.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminal Justice Studies
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Stalking is a serious offense with complex behavioral patterns.
- Understanding the characteristics of individuals charged with stalking is crucial for risk assessment and intervention.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the demographic and clinical profiles of pretrial detainees accused of stalking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of pretrial detainees charged with stalking against a matched group of other offenders.
- To identify potential distinguishing factors in the profile of stalkers within a forensic setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from 18 pretrial detainees charged with stalking.
- Comparison with 18 randomly matched offenders from the same forensic unit.
- Evaluation of variables including education, marital status, substance abuse, psychiatric history, military history, and organicity.
Main Results:
- Stalking offenders were found to be significantly better educated than the comparison group.
- Alleged stalkers were less likely to be married and less prone to substance abuse.
- A higher prevalence of military training and organicity was noted among the stalking offenders.
Conclusions:
- The prototypical stalker in this cohort is a single, educated male with military training and some degree of organicity.
- This profile differs from other offenders, particularly regarding substance abuse and marital status.
- Further replication studies are recommended to validate these findings and enhance understanding of stalking behavior.