Exploration of the Experiences and Needs of Former Intimate Stalking Victims

• NCJ Number: 175475
• Author(s): Mary P. Brewster
• Date Published: 1998
• Length: 86 pages
• Grant Number(s): 95-WT-NX-0002
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

This research study explores the nature of the stalking experiences of non-celebrity, former intimate victims.

Abstract

The study was based on interviews with 187 women in southeastern Pennsylvania who had been stalking victims of former intimates during the previous 5 years. The victims provided data on the nature of the stalking, the relationship between victim and stalker, victims' responses to the stalking, consequences of the stalking for the victims, the victims' needs and fulfillment of those needs in terms of victim services and the criminal justice system. Stalking proved to be a serious offense with great impact on victims' lives. The victims suffered as a result of attempts to leave their partners and then as a consequence of the relatively scarce or ineffective assistance in discouraging the stalker and meeting the victim's needs. The stalkers used a wide variety of tactics, and many of them reportedly had drug and alcohol problems. The paper includes 10 policy recommendations for law enforcement agencies, courts, legislatures and victim service agencies, as well as 8 recommendations for future research. Tables, references, notes