This article describes the frequency and type of intimate partner stalking that occurred within 12 months of attempted and actual partner femicide.
Data were derived from an 18-item stalking inventory and personal interviews with knowledgeable proxy informants and victims of attempted femicide; 141 femicide and 65 attempted femicide incidents were evaluated. The prevalence of stalking was 76 percent for femicide victims and 85 percent for attempted femicide victims. Incidence of intimate partner assault was 67 percent for femicide victims and 71 percent for attempted femicide victims. There was a statistically significant association between intimate partner physical assault and stalking for femicide victims as well as attempted femicide victims. Stalking was a correlate of lethal and near lethal violence against women and, coupled with physical assault, was significantly associated with murder and attempted murder. Stalking must be considered a risk factor for both femicide and attempted femicide, and abused women should be so advised. Tables, appendixes, references