College Campus
A Survey of Online Harassment at a University Campus
"This study’s sample of students was taken from the University of New Hampshire campus and found that more than half of the students received unwanted pornography and 10% to 15% of students reported receiving repeated unwanted online messages via email or instant message. The study also found that sexual minority students were more likely to be harassed online than were heterosexual students. Implications for further research and policy/program development are also discussed."
Campus Stalking (pdf)
"Highlights issues and suggests practical options for responding to stalking incidents that occur in college and university campus communities. Includes a review of the history, definitions, and statistics related to stalking, offering useful resources."
College Professors as Potential Victims of Stalking: Awareness and Prevention: National Implications (pdf)
"The stalking of professors by students can create considerable difficulty for both faculty and administration. Particular attributes of college and university environments contribute to potential stalking behaviors, especially among poorly adjusted students. Recommendations are made regarding materials with evidentiary value that should be collected if a professor believes she or he is being stalked. Behaviors that college instructors should avoid during student-instructor interactions are provided. Institutional policies regarding intimate relationships between faculty and students are also presented by the authors."
"This fact sheet cites statistics about stalking in America, the impact of stalking on victims, behavior of stalkers, stalking and intimate partner femicide, state laws, and stalking on campus."
"This fact sheet created in Spanish, cites statistics about stalking in America, the impact of stalking on victims, behavior of stalkers, stalking and intimate partner femicide, state laws, and stalking on campus."
The Sexual Victimization of College Women (pdf)
Women attending colleges are at greater risk for rape and other forms of sexual assault than the general population or in another comparable age group. The study found that many women do not characterize their sexual victimization as a crime for a number of reasons including blaming themselves.The study reinforces the importance of many organizations’ efforts to improve education and knowledge about sexual assault.
Manuals/Guides/Reports
An informative brochure on stalking created by the National Center for Victims of Crime with information on steps to take if you or someone you know is being stalked. They also offer help in creating a safety plan.
Are You Being Stalked? (Spanish)
An informative brochure on stalking created in Spanish by the National Center for Victims of Crime with information on steps to take if you or someone you know is being stalked. They also offer help in creating a safety plan.
Domestic violence laws in Australia
The report analyzes domestic violence legislation in all Australian States and Territories and in New Zealand in order to assist the Australian Government’s National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children. The report notes gaps and overlaps between State and Territory domestic violence protection orders and the Family Law Act 1975.
Facts About Intimate Partner Stalking in Minnesota and the United States (pdf)
A fact sheet created by the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women as part of a statewide training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and advocates titled the Anatomy of Strangulation.
Handbook for legislation on violence against women (pdf)
Based on the work of an expert group meeting in Vienna, United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs developed a Handbook for Legislation on Violence against Women. This Handbook intends to provide all stakeholders with detailed guidance to support the adoption and effective implementation of legislation which prevents violence against women, punishes perpetrators, and ensures the rights of survivors everywhere.
Hate Violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People in the United States (pdf)
This is a report about bias-motivated incidents targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender, queer, and questioning (LGBT) individuals in the U.S. during the year 2008. The report includes statistics on violence against LGBT people, stories from survivors, information on where to get help, safety tips, and information on hate crime laws.
Measuring Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration: A Compendium of Assessment Tools (pdf)
"This compendium provides researchers and prevention specialists with a set of assessment tools with demonstrated reliability and validity for measuring the self-reported incidence and prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence victimization and perpetration. The information is presented to help researchers and practitioners make informed decisions when choosing scales to use in their work."
Stalking and Domestic Violence Report to Congress (pdf)
"This report to Congress is part of an ongoing commitment to share information about strategies that show promise in the field and about the development of laws addressing stalking. It is produced in response to Subtitle F of VAWA, which directs the U.S. Attorney General to submit a report on these issues. The report includes information on cyberstalking, victim needs, law enforcement responses to stalking, and a bibliography."
"This fact sheet cites statistics about stalking in America, the impact of stalking on victims, behavior of stalkers, stalking and intimate partner femicide, state laws, and stalking on campus."
"This fact sheet created in Spanish, cites statistics about stalking in America, the impact of stalking on victims, behavior of stalkers, stalking and intimate partner femicide, state laws, and stalking on campus."
Stalking in Texas (pdf)
"This report presents information on stalking victimization among Texas residents. The data for this report came from a telephone survey of a random sample of Texas residents. Recommendations were made about the need for continuing educational efforts for the public and for people who work with victims of this crime. The importance of victim input in investigating this crime was underscored, as were suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims."
A fact sheet pointing out common myths and attitudes about stalking and provides information on the realities of this crime.
Stalking Resource Center Statistics
The Stalking Resource Center website offers various links to research,fact sheets, and statistics on stalking related crimes.
Stalking Victimization in the United States, 2009 Report
This document provides statistics on studies done in a 12 month span on the various forms of stalking. The study focuses on the intersection between stalking and victim and offender characteristics such as race, class, age, and gender. The study finds that women are nearly three times more likely than men to be stalked, and young people age 18 to 24 experience the highest rates of stalking.
Stalking: Problem-Oriented Guide for Policing
This guide summarizes knowledge about how police can reduce the harm caused by stalking. This comes in a series of guides to prevention and to improving the overall response to incidents, not to investigating offenses or handling specific incidents. The guide is written for police of whatever rank or assignment who must address the problem of stalking.
Ten Things You Need to Know about Stalking
An informative sheet created by the Stalking Resource Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime providing statistics and information on ways stalking is perpetrated.
Ten Things You Need to Know about Stalking (Spanish)
An informative sheet created in Spanish by the Stalking Resource Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime providing statistics and information on ways stalking is perpetrated.
The Sexual Victimization of College Women (pdf)
Women attending colleges are at greater risk for rape and other forms of sexual assault than the general population or in another comparable age group. The study found that many women do not characterize their sexual victimization as a crime for a number of reasons including blaming themselves.The study reinforces the importance of many organizations’ efforts to improve education and knowledge about sexual assault.
UNITY RoadMap: A Framework for Effectiveness and Sustainability
"The UNITY RoadMap is a resource for cities to prevent violence before it occurs by mapping out solutions to effectively and sustainably prevent violence. The UNITY RoadMap helps cities understand the current status of their efforts, describes the core elements necessary to prevent violence before it occurs, and provides information, resources, and examples to support cities in planning, implementation, and evaluation."
LGBT
A Survey of Online Harassment at a University Campus
"This study’s sample of students was taken from the University of New Hampshire campus and found that more than half of the students received unwanted pornography and 10% to 15% of students reported receiving repeated unwanted online messages via email or instant message. The study also found that sexual minority students were more likely to be harassed online than were heterosexual students. Implications for further research and policy/program development are also discussed."
Hate Violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People in the United States (pdf)
This is a report about bias-motivated incidents targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender, queer, and questioning (LGBT) individuals in the U.S. during the year 2008. The report includes statistics on violence against LGBT people, stories from survivors, information on where to get help, safety tips, and information on hate crime laws.
Internet Safety
A Survey of Online Harassment at a University Campus
"This study’s sample of students was taken from the University of New Hampshire campus and found that more than half of the students received unwanted pornography and 10% to 15% of students reported receiving repeated unwanted online messages via email or instant message. The study also found that sexual minority students were more likely to be harassed online than were heterosexual students. Implications for further research and policy/program development are also discussed."
Intimate Partner Violence, Technology, and Stalking
"This research note describes the use of a broad range of technologies in intimate partner stalking, including cordless and cellular telephones, fax machines, e-mail, Internet-based harassment, global positioning systems, spy ware, video cameras, and online databases. The concept of “stalking with technology” is reviewed, and the need for an expanded definition of cyberstalking is presented. Legal issues and advocacy-centered responses, including training, legal remedies, public policy issues, and technology industry practices, are discussed."
"The Technology Safety Project of the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence was designed to increase awareness and knowledge of technology safety issues for domestic violence victims, survivors, and advocacy staff. Evaluation of the project suggests that the program is needed, useful, and effective. Consumer satisfaction was high, and there was perceived improvement in computer confidence and knowledge of computer safety. Areas for future program development and further research are discussed."
Stalking and Domestic Violence Report to Congress (pdf)
"This report to Congress is part of an ongoing commitment to share information about strategies that show promise in the field and about the development of laws addressing stalking. It is produced in response to Subtitle F of VAWA, which directs the U.S. Attorney General to submit a report on these issues. The report includes information on cyberstalking, victim needs, law enforcement responses to stalking, and a bibliography."
Technological Safety for Domestic Violence Survivors
"Technological tools such as phones, computers, and searchable databases are being used to monitor, harass, and threaten current or former intimate partners. This forum will explore the safety risks and benefits of technology and cover areas of confidentiality, co-location, and data sharing. The host for this forum is Anzala Alozie. Anzala is the Director of Services at the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and provides management of the statewide Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline, Women of Color Leadership, Economic Justice, Technology Safety, and Training projects."
The Use of Technology to Stalk
This page provides links to various sites detailing how the use of technology can facilitate stalking, provides tips on keeping safe, and provides information on laws pertaining to stalking.
Class/race/ethnicity
Addressing Stalking in Indian Country
This article discusses the results of a June 1999 survey Mending the Sacred Hoop sent to approximately 150 tribes regarding tribal anti-stalking laws.
Silent Epidemic: A Survey of Violence Among Young Asian American Women
This report examines the impact of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking on young Asian American women. The study also examines levels of awareness, prevalence, and access to services. It also addresses cultural and institutional barriers that Asian American victims of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking may face.
Compiled by the Stalking Resource Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime, this site contains up to date information on stalking laws at the tribal, state, and federal level.
Stalking Victimization in the United States, 2009 Report
This document provides statistics on studies done in a 12 month span on the various forms of stalking. The study focuses on the intersection between stalking and victim and offender characteristics such as race, class, age, and gender. The study finds that women are nearly three times more likely than men to be stalked, and young people age 18 to 24 experience the highest rates of stalking.
Much is unknown about stalking occurring in non-western countries to determine whether it is a global phenomenon mainly because many countries have not enacted legislation that protects against this form of harassment. Cross-cultural subgroups of victims and stalkers and the co-occurrence of other crimes are to be explored as a research area. The author suggests implications for policy, practice, and research.
Woman Stalking in Iran (pdf)
"This paper comprises four parts: the first part discusses in brief the main factors that have impact on stalking of women in Iran. Then, in the second part, by classifying the stalkers according to their profiles, we will turn to analysing the effect of each factor on individuals. In part three, statistics drawn from a recent survey will be discussed and finally, in part four,the existing legal remedies to control stalking will be discussed."
Intervention
An informative brochure on stalking created by the National Center for Victims of Crime with information on steps to take if you or someone you know is being stalked. They also offer help in creating a safety plan.
Are You Being Stalked? (Spanish)
An informative brochure on stalking created in Spanish by the National Center for Victims of Crime with information on steps to take if you or someone you know is being stalked. They also offer help in creating a safety plan.
Creating an Effective Stalking Protocol (pdf)
This document addresses how law enforcement agencies can enhance its response to stalking. The focus is on collaborative community partnerships and protocols to help police department address stalking. It includes early intervention, preventive action, and proactive problem-solving in stalking cases.
Measuring Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration: A Compendium of Assessment Tools (pdf)
"This compendium provides researchers and prevention specialists with a set of assessment tools with demonstrated reliability and validity for measuring the self-reported incidence and prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence victimization and perpetration. The information is presented to help researchers and practitioners make informed decisions when choosing scales to use in their work."
Stalking and the Infliction of Mental Harm (pdf)
"Victoria’s stalking laws were introduced just over 5 years ago and this article examines some areas of difficulty raised by the legislation: firstly, that of criminal responsibility and secondly the problem of what is meant by "physical or mental harm” and also considers some of the decisions in the area, both in Victoria and other jurisdictions."
Stalking, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence: What's in a Name? (pdf)
This paper explores whether the introduction of the crime of stalking and the ability to apply for intervention orders on the basis of stalking regardless of the relationship with the stalker, has hidden the reality of women’s experiences of violence. We want to explore the ‘gendered nature’ of stalking and place behaviours identified as stalking firmly in the context of part of the continuum of violence perpetrated by men against women.
Stalking: Ramifications and Preventative Strategies for Professionals (pdf)
This paper is divided into four sections: The first section gives the historical background of the psychologist’s eight year period of being stalked. Details of places and names have been altered to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved. Where the use of gender based descriptions are used, this is in relation to the situation described, and it is recognised that stalkers may be males or females and that the victims of stalking may be males or females. This section also looks at the experience of being stalked in connection with the legal system and the professional bodies concerned. The second section examines the impact on the victim, their family, neighbours, colleagues and peers. The third section concerns treatment and what the victim found was helpful and unhelpful in dealing with the experience. The fourth section includes recommendations relating to legislation, professional bodies, and training and orientation of students and new professionals.
The Use of Technology to Stalk
This page provides links to various sites detailing how the use of technology can facilitate stalking, provides tips on keeping safe, and provides information on laws pertaining to stalking.
Legal/policy
A High-Tech Twist on Abuse: Technology, Intimate Partner Stalking, and Advocacy
This Violence Against Women Online Resources commissioned document summarizes the existing knowledge on the use of technology to stalk. The author uses both published literature and contributions provided by numerous survivors’ reports to provide current information on the variety of sophisticated tools that are being used to stalk current and former intimate partners. The article also provides specific strategies for advocates, including safety planning information, a resource list, and a handout for survivors.
A Survey of Online Harassment at a University Campus
"This study’s sample of students was taken from the University of New Hampshire campus and found that more than half of the students received unwanted pornography and 10% to 15% of students reported receiving repeated unwanted online messages via email or instant message. The study also found that sexual minority students were more likely to be harassed online than were heterosexual students. Implications for further research and policy/program development are also discussed."
"This is a client-centered tool for civil attorneys new to representing victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking to provide comprehensive representation and advocacy for their clients."
Creating an Effective Stalking Protocol (pdf)
This document addresses how law enforcement agencies can enhance its response to stalking. The focus is on collaborative community partnerships and protocols to help police department address stalking. It includes early intervention, preventive action, and proactive problem-solving in stalking cases.
This article presents basic information about the extent of stalking in the U.S. and discusses the origin and current status of stalking laws. An analysis of the proposed NIJ anti-stalking code discusses their effectiveness and limitations from a domestic violence perspective.
Domestic violence laws in Australia
The report analyzes domestic violence legislation in all Australian States and Territories and in New Zealand in order to assist the Australian Government’s National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children. The report notes gaps and overlaps between State and Territory domestic violence protection orders and the Family Law Act 1975.
Federal Interstate Stalking Law
Provides definitions and interpretations of the Federal Interstate Stalking Law.
Handbook for legislation on violence against women (pdf)
Based on the work of an expert group meeting in Vienna, United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs developed a Handbook for Legislation on Violence against Women. This Handbook intends to provide all stakeholders with detailed guidance to support the adoption and effective implementation of legislation which prevents violence against women, punishes perpetrators, and ensures the rights of survivors everywhere.
Linda v. Lyle - A Case Study. Looks at the possibility that some or all high-conflict divorces are actually the manifestation of stalking behaviors by wealthy domestic abusers. Part I compares and contrasts the research on batterers and stalkers to the literature on high-conflict divorce. In Part II, an actual high-conflict case is described. Part III explores the lack of consumer protection. Part IV offers a modest proposal that may discourage protracted Family Court litigation and calls for studies that apply stalking and battering dynamics to high-conflict divorce so stalking by way of Family Court can be quantified and illuminated.
How to obtain U Interim Relief: A Brief Manual for Advocates Assisting Immigrant Victims of Crime (pdf)
This manual provides U Visa information for advocates who assist victims of crime, including domestic violence. The author outlines the definition, requirements, and application process for U Visa Interim relief and also offers information on obtaining permanent residency and derivative status for family members.
Intimate Partner Violence, Technology, and Stalking
"This research note describes the use of a broad range of technologies in intimate partner stalking, including cordless and cellular telephones, fax machines, e-mail, Internet-based harassment, global positioning systems, spy ware, video cameras, and online databases. The concept of “stalking with technology” is reviewed, and the need for an expanded definition of cyberstalking is presented. Legal issues and advocacy-centered responses, including training, legal remedies, public policy issues, and technology industry practices, are discussed."
Is Stalking Legislation Effective in Protecting Stalking Victims? (pdf)
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the stalking legislation on the criminal justice system in the four years from its introduction in Victoria in 1994. This report presents the findings of the study. It examines the implementation criminal and civil components of stalking legislation in the four years since its introduction.
Is This Stalking: A Comparison Between Legal and Community Definitions of Stalking (pdf)
The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the meaning of some of the ideas within stalking laws match the understanding of stalking in the community and whether these laws reflect the interests of those whom they are supposed to protect.
Descriptions of statutes and penalties for violations.
Stalking and Domestic Violence Report to Congress (pdf)
"This report to Congress is part of an ongoing commitment to share information about strategies that show promise in the field and about the development of laws addressing stalking. It is produced in response to Subtitle F of VAWA, which directs the U.S. Attorney General to submit a report on these issues. The report includes information on cyberstalking, victim needs, law enforcement responses to stalking, and a bibliography."
Stalking and Domestic Violence: Views of Queensland Magistrates (pdf)
This paper reviews the current law on stalking and the factors that led to amendments being made to the Queensland Criminal Code in 1999. It also presents a detailed analysis of Magistrates responses to the issue of stalking in the context of making domestic violence orders.
Stalking and the Infliction of Mental Harm (pdf)
"Victoria’s stalking laws were introduced just over 5 years ago and this article examines some areas of difficulty raised by the legislation: firstly, that of criminal responsibility and secondly the problem of what is meant by "physical or mental harm” and also considers some of the decisions in the area, both in Victoria and other jurisdictions."
Stalking in America: Findings From the National Violence Against Women Survey
This is a comprehensive summary of the stalking information gathered in the recently completed National Violence Against Women Survey.
Compiled by the Stalking Resource Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime, this site contains up to date information on stalking laws at the tribal, state, and federal level.
Stalking Laws and Implementation Practices: A National Review for Policymakers and Practitioners
This report presents findings from a review of prior research on stalking and some original information gathering, resulting in a reassessment of the significance of stalking as a policy issue for criminal justice. The review also examines stalking's definitions, prevalence, and impact on victims. It provides an examination of criminal law, namely, the enactment of stalking laws and their reception in the courts and concludes with recommendations for legislators, agency administrators, funders, and researchers.
The executive summary is also available.
Stalking, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence: What's in a Name? (pdf)
This paper explores whether the introduction of the crime of stalking and the ability to apply for intervention orders on the basis of stalking regardless of the relationship with the stalker, has hidden the reality of women’s experiences of violence. We want to explore the ‘gendered nature’ of stalking and place behaviours identified as stalking firmly in the context of part of the continuum of violence perpetrated by men against women.
Stalking: Criminal Justice Responses in Australia (pdf)
This paper examines current stalking legislation, police and court data within the Australian context. While the data can only be considered as indicative, rather than explanatory, the trends outlined suggest important differences in the treatment of stalking across Australian jurisdictions. Potential explanations for these differences are provided, and suggestions for future research are outlined.
Much is unknown about stalking occurring in non-western countries to determine whether it is a global phenomenon mainly because many countries have not enacted legislation that protects against this form of harassment. Cross-cultural subgroups of victims and stalkers and the co-occurrence of other crimes are to be explored as a research area. The author suggests implications for policy, practice, and research.
Stalking: Problem-Oriented Guide for Policing
This guide summarizes knowledge about how police can reduce the harm caused by stalking. This comes in a series of guides to prevention and to improving the overall response to incidents, not to investigating offenses or handling specific incidents. The guide is written for police of whatever rank or assignment who must address the problem of stalking.
Stalking: Ramifications and Preventative Strategies for Professionals (pdf)
This paper is divided into four sections: The first section gives the historical background of the psychologist’s eight year period of being stalked. Details of places and names have been altered to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved. Where the use of gender based descriptions are used, this is in relation to the situation described, and it is recognised that stalkers may be males or females and that the victims of stalking may be males or females. This section also looks at the experience of being stalked in connection with the legal system and the professional bodies concerned. The second section examines the impact on the victim, their family, neighbours, colleagues and peers. The third section concerns treatment and what the victim found was helpful and unhelpful in dealing with the experience. The fourth section includes recommendations relating to legislation, professional bodies, and training and orientation of students and new professionals.
"These Standards are presented as aspirational guidelines for the operation of legal service providers, pro bono legal service providers, and individual lawyers representing victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in civil protection order cases."
Strengthening Anti-Stalking Statutes
This document provides an overview of state legislation and current issues related to stalking. Although stalking is a crime in all 50 states, significant variation exists among statutes as to the type of behavior prohibited, the intent of the stalker, whether a threat is required, and the reaction of the victim to the stalking. In particular this report highlights various circumstances in which relevant laws are applied, emphasizing their successful implementation.
The Internet and Cyberstalking (pdf)
This paper focuses upon cyberstalking because in this way it becomes possible to discern what is special about criminality that takes advantage of the unique possibilities offered by the Internet.
The Model Stalking Code Revisited: Responding to the New Realities of Stalking (pdf)
This document was developed to assist states that are working to strengthen their stalking laws and report recommends updates to the 1993 Model Anti-Stalking Code for the States developed at the direction of Congress by the National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice.
The Sexual Victimization of College Women (pdf)
Women attending colleges are at greater risk for rape and other forms of sexual assault than the general population or in another comparable age group. The study found that many women do not characterize their sexual victimization as a crime for a number of reasons including blaming themselves.The study reinforces the importance of many organizations’ efforts to improve education and knowledge about sexual assault.
The Tactical Topography of Stalking Victimization and Management
"This study conducted reported the average proportion of female victims across studies was 75%, and 77% of stalking emerged from a prior acquaintance, with 49% from intimate relationships. New typologies of stalking behavior, coping responses to stalking, and symptomology due to stalking victimization are reported and the author ends by presenting how these typologies should serve to influence new policy, practice, and research."
The Use of Technology to Stalk
This page provides links to various sites detailing how the use of technology can facilitate stalking, provides tips on keeping safe, and provides information on laws pertaining to stalking.
The Violence Against Women Act: Commemorating 15 Years of Working Together to End Violence
With the help of advocates, coalitions, and community partners around the country, VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) was federally enacted in 1994. VAWA recognized the devastating consequences that violence has on women, families, and society as a whole. Countless lives have been saved, the voices of survivors have been heard, families have been protected, and the criminal justice community has been trained on the complex responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. The United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women celebrates 15 years since the passage of VAWA.
Woman Stalking in Iran (pdf)
"This paper comprises four parts: the first part discusses in brief the main factors that have impact on stalking of women in Iran. Then, in the second part, by classifying the stalkers according to their profiles, we will turn to analysing the effect of each factor on individuals. In part three, statistics drawn from a recent survey will be discussed and finally, in part four,the existing legal remedies to control stalking will be discussed."
Mental health
Stalking and the Infliction of Mental Harm (pdf)
"Victoria’s stalking laws were introduced just over 5 years ago and this article examines some areas of difficulty raised by the legislation: firstly, that of criminal responsibility and secondly the problem of what is meant by "physical or mental harm” and also considers some of the decisions in the area, both in Victoria and other jurisdictions."
Stalking in America: Findings From the National Violence Against Women Survey
This is a comprehensive summary of the stalking information gathered in the recently completed National Violence Against Women Survey.
Stalking Laws and Implementation Practices: A National Review for Policymakers and Practitioners
This report presents findings from a review of prior research on stalking and some original information gathering, resulting in a reassessment of the significance of stalking as a policy issue for criminal justice. The review also examines stalking's definitions, prevalence, and impact on victims. It provides an examination of criminal law, namely, the enactment of stalking laws and their reception in the courts and concludes with recommendations for legislators, agency administrators, funders, and researchers.
The executive summary is also available.
This report examines the links between eating disorders and violence against women and girls. It is based on information gathered from published literature as well as consultations with community workers, health practitioners, and mental health professionals. “Swallowing the Hurt” has been designed for use by frontline workers, health care and social service professionals, educators, and researchers who offer services directly for or who may interact with women and girls experiencing eating disorders or violence.
The Incidence and Nature of Stalking Victimisation (pdf)
Paper presented at the Stalking: Criminal Justice Responses Conference convened by the Australian Institute of Criminology and held in Sydney 7-8 December 2000. This study examines the incidence of stalking behaviours in the community, the association between stalking and other forms of violence and factors which mediate the type and duration of stalking.
Other
International Online Resources on Stalking
Annotated list of international stalking resources.
Is This Stalking: A Comparison Between Legal and Community Definitions of Stalking (pdf)
The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which the meaning of some of the ideas within stalking laws match the understanding of stalking in the community and whether these laws reflect the interests of those whom they are supposed to protect.
The findings from this second in a series of reports issued jointly by the National Institute of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paint a picture of the violence against women as seen daily by emergency room, law enforcement, and court professionals.
The Sexual Victimization of College Women
This study contributes data to our understanding about the prevalence and nature of violence against women in the United States.
Women Stalking Women at Work: A Preliminary Study on Nurses' Experiences
"This paper will explore nurses' experiences of workplace stalking. The data were analysed and compared with a secondary analysis of data from an earlier study into violence among nurses."
Prevention
An informative brochure on stalking created by the National Center for Victims of Crime with information on steps to take if you or someone you know is being stalked. They also offer help in creating a safety plan.
Are You Being Stalked? (Spanish)
An informative brochure on stalking created in Spanish by the National Center for Victims of Crime with information on steps to take if you or someone you know is being stalked. They also offer help in creating a safety plan.
College Professors as Potential Victims of Stalking: Awareness and Prevention: National Implications (pdf)
"The stalking of professors by students can create considerable difficulty for both faculty and administration. Particular attributes of college and university environments contribute to potential stalking behaviors, especially among poorly adjusted students. Recommendations are made regarding materials with evidentiary value that should be collected if a professor believes she or he is being stalked. Behaviors that college instructors should avoid during student-instructor interactions are provided. Institutional policies regarding intimate relationships between faculty and students are also presented by the authors."
Creating an Effective Stalking Protocol (pdf)
This document addresses how law enforcement agencies can enhance its response to stalking. The focus is on collaborative community partnerships and protocols to help police department address stalking. It includes early intervention, preventive action, and proactive problem-solving in stalking cases.
Promoting gender equality to prevent violence against women (pdf)
"The World Health Organization has released a briefing highlighting the importance of the role gender plays in interpersonal violent situations, community- and school-based initiatives to empower women, the role of the media in altering gender norms, and the importance of engaging with men to combat violence against women. The briefing is one of an eight-part series on how to prevent interpersonal and self-directed violence."
Stalking: Problem-Oriented Guide for Policing
This guide summarizes knowledge about how police can reduce the harm caused by stalking. This comes in a series of guides to prevention and to improving the overall response to incidents, not to investigating offenses or handling specific incidents. The guide is written for police of whatever rank or assignment who must address the problem of stalking.
Stalking: Ramifications and Preventative Strategies for Professionals (pdf)
This paper is divided into four sections: The first section gives the historical background of the psychologist’s eight year period of being stalked. Details of places and names have been altered to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved. Where the use of gender based descriptions are used, this is in relation to the situation described, and it is recognised that stalkers may be males or females and that the victims of stalking may be males or females. This section also looks at the experience of being stalked in connection with the legal system and the professional bodies concerned. The second section examines the impact on the victim, their family, neighbours, colleagues and peers. The third section concerns treatment and what the victim found was helpful and unhelpful in dealing with the experience. The fourth section includes recommendations relating to legislation, professional bodies, and training and orientation of students and new professionals.
The Tactical Topography of Stalking Victimization and Management
"This study conducted reported the average proportion of female victims across studies was 75%, and 77% of stalking emerged from a prior acquaintance, with 49% from intimate relationships. New typologies of stalking behavior, coping responses to stalking, and symptomology due to stalking victimization are reported and the author ends by presenting how these typologies should serve to influence new policy, practice, and research."
The Use of Technology to Stalk
This page provides links to various sites detailing how the use of technology can facilitate stalking, provides tips on keeping safe, and provides information on laws pertaining to stalking.
Third Milestones of a Global Campaign for Violence Prevention Report 2007: Scaling Up
"Reviews progress that has been made in violence prevention since October 2002 and sets out what the World Health Organization and its partners can do over the next 5 years to expand programming and to demonstrate the impact of violence prevention."
Understanding and Preventing Violence
"Discusses the findings of the National Academy of Sciences Panel on the Understanding and Control of Violent Behavior, established to review the current status of research in violence."
UNITY RoadMap: A Framework for Effectiveness and Sustainability
"The UNITY RoadMap is a resource for cities to prevent violence before it occurs by mapping out solutions to effectively and sustainably prevent violence. The UNITY RoadMap helps cities understand the current status of their efforts, describes the core elements necessary to prevent violence before it occurs, and provides information, resources, and examples to support cities in planning, implementation, and evaluation."
Technology
A Survey of Online Harassment at a University Campus
"This study’s sample of students was taken from the University of New Hampshire campus and found that more than half of the students received unwanted pornography and 10% to 15% of students reported receiving repeated unwanted online messages via email or instant message. The study also found that sexual minority students were more likely to be harassed online than were heterosexual students. Implications for further research and policy/program development are also discussed."
Intimate Partner Violence, Technology, and Stalking
"This research note describes the use of a broad range of technologies in intimate partner stalking, including cordless and cellular telephones, fax machines, e-mail, Internet-based harassment, global positioning systems, spy ware, video cameras, and online databases. The concept of “stalking with technology” is reviewed, and the need for an expanded definition of cyberstalking is presented. Legal issues and advocacy-centered responses, including training, legal remedies, public policy issues, and technology industry practices, are discussed."
"The Technology Safety Project of the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence was designed to increase awareness and knowledge of technology safety issues for domestic violence victims, survivors, and advocacy staff. Evaluation of the project suggests that the program is needed, useful, and effective. Consumer satisfaction was high, and there was perceived improvement in computer confidence and knowledge of computer safety. Areas for future program development and further research are discussed."
Stalking and Domestic Violence Report to Congress (pdf)
"This report to Congress is part of an ongoing commitment to share information about strategies that show promise in the field and about the development of laws addressing stalking. It is produced in response to Subtitle F of VAWA, which directs the U.S. Attorney General to submit a report on these issues. The report includes information on cyberstalking, victim needs, law enforcement responses to stalking, and a bibliography."
Stalking Laws and Implementation Practices: A National Review for Policymakers and Practitioners
This report presents findings from a review of prior research on stalking and some original information gathering, resulting in a reassessment of the significance of stalking as a policy issue for criminal justice. The review also examines stalking's definitions, prevalence, and impact on victims. It provides an examination of criminal law, namely, the enactment of stalking laws and their reception in the courts and concludes with recommendations for legislators, agency administrators, funders, and researchers.
The executive summary is also available.
A fact sheet pointing out common myths and attitudes about stalking and provides information on the realities of this crime.
Stalking Victimization in the United States, 2009 Report
This document provides statistics on studies done in a 12 month span on the various forms of stalking. The study focuses on the intersection between stalking and victim and offender characteristics such as race, class, age, and gender. The study finds that women are nearly three times more likely than men to be stalked, and young people age 18 to 24 experience the highest rates of stalking.
Strengthening Anti-Stalking Statutes
This document provides an overview of state legislation and current issues related to stalking. Although stalking is a crime in all 50 states, significant variation exists among statutes as to the type of behavior prohibited, the intent of the stalker, whether a threat is required, and the reaction of the victim to the stalking. In particular this report highlights various circumstances in which relevant laws are applied, emphasizing their successful implementation.
Technological Safety for Domestic Violence Survivors
"Technological tools such as phones, computers, and searchable databases are being used to monitor, harass, and threaten current or former intimate partners. This forum will explore the safety risks and benefits of technology and cover areas of confidentiality, co-location, and data sharing. The host for this forum is Anzala Alozie. Anzala is the Director of Services at the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and provides management of the statewide Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline, Women of Color Leadership, Economic Justice, Technology Safety, and Training projects."
Ten Things You Need to Know about Stalking
An informative sheet created by the Stalking Resource Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime providing statistics and information on ways stalking is perpetrated.
Ten Things You Need to Know about Stalking (Spanish)
An informative sheet created in Spanish by the Stalking Resource Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime providing statistics and information on ways stalking is perpetrated.
The Internet and Cyberstalking (pdf)
This paper focuses upon cyberstalking because in this way it becomes possible to discern what is special about criminality that takes advantage of the unique possibilities offered by the Internet.
The Model Stalking Code Revisited: Responding to the New Realities of Stalking (pdf)
This document was developed to assist states that are working to strengthen their stalking laws and report recommends updates to the 1993 Model Anti-Stalking Code for the States developed at the direction of Congress by the National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice.
The Use of Technology to Stalk
This page provides links to various sites detailing how the use of technology can facilitate stalking, provides tips on keeping safe, and provides information on laws pertaining to stalking.
Research
A High-Tech Twist on Abuse: Technology, Intimate Partner Stalking, and Advocacy
This Violence Against Women Online Resources commissioned document summarizes the existing knowledge on the use of technology to stalk. The author uses both published literature and contributions provided by numerous survivors’ reports to provide current information on the variety of sophisticated tools that are being used to stalk current and former intimate partners. The article also provides specific strategies for advocates, including safety planning information, a resource list, and a handout for survivors.
A Survey of Online Harassment at a University Campus
"This study’s sample of students was taken from the University of New Hampshire campus and found that more than half of the students received unwanted pornography and 10% to 15% of students reported receiving repeated unwanted online messages via email or instant message. The study also found that sexual minority students were more likely to be harassed online than were heterosexual students. Implications for further research and policy/program development are also discussed."
Campus Stalking (pdf)
"Highlights issues and suggests practical options for responding to stalking incidents that occur in college and university campus communities. Includes a review of the history, definitions, and statistics related to stalking, offering useful resources."
College Professors as Potential Victims of Stalking: Awareness and Prevention: National Implications (pdf)
"The stalking of professors by students can create considerable difficulty for both faculty and administration. Particular attributes of college and university environments contribute to potential stalking behaviors, especially among poorly adjusted students. Recommendations are made regarding materials with evidentiary value that should be collected if a professor believes she or he is being stalked. Behaviors that college instructors should avoid during student-instructor interactions are provided. Institutional policies regarding intimate relationships between faculty and students are also presented by the authors."
Compendium of Research on Violence Against Women, 1993-2008 (pdf)
"This is a comprehensive compilation of National Institute of Justice (NIJ)-funded research including a table of contents, index, and descriptions of projects available through the Violence Against Women & Family Violence (VAW&FV) program."
Creating Social Change in Cyberspace: 10 Years Strong
Article published by the University of Minnesota Gateway to Reseach & Innovations regarding the success of the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse in providing knowledge to prevent violence.
Facts About Intimate Partner Stalking in Minnesota and the United States (pdf)
A fact sheet created by the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women as part of a statewide training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and advocates titled the Anatomy of Strangulation.
Intimate Partner Violence, Technology, and Stalking
"This research note describes the use of a broad range of technologies in intimate partner stalking, including cordless and cellular telephones, fax machines, e-mail, Internet-based harassment, global positioning systems, spy ware, video cameras, and online databases. The concept of “stalking with technology” is reviewed, and the need for an expanded definition of cyberstalking is presented. Legal issues and advocacy-centered responses, including training, legal remedies, public policy issues, and technology industry practices, are discussed."
Is Stalking Legislation Effective in Protecting Stalking Victims? (pdf)
The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the stalking legislation on the criminal justice system in the four years from its introduction in Victoria in 1994. This report presents the findings of the study. It examines the implementation criminal and civil components of stalking legislation in the four years since its introduction.
Measuring Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and Perpetration: A Compendium of Assessment Tools (pdf)
"This compendium provides researchers and prevention specialists with a set of assessment tools with demonstrated reliability and validity for measuring the self-reported incidence and prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence victimization and perpetration. The information is presented to help researchers and practitioners make informed decisions when choosing scales to use in their work."
Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse
"The mission of the Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse (MINCAVA) is to support research, education, and access to violence related resources."
"The Technology Safety Project of the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence was designed to increase awareness and knowledge of technology safety issues for domestic violence victims, survivors, and advocacy staff. Evaluation of the project suggests that the program is needed, useful, and effective. Consumer satisfaction was high, and there was perceived improvement in computer confidence and knowledge of computer safety. Areas for future program development and further research are discussed."
"The current study assessed the nature and extent of minor and severe injuries among a help-seeking sample of battered women. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to assess the unique roles of physical violence, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and stalking to the prediction of minor and severe injuries in battered women. Results are discussed in terms of implications for future research and intervention with battered women."
Stalking and Domestic Violence Report to Congress (pdf)
"This report to Congress is part of an ongoing commitment to share information about strategies that show promise in the field and about the development of laws addressing stalking. It is produced in response to Subtitle F of VAWA, which directs the U.S. Attorney General to submit a report on these issues. The report includes information on cyberstalking, victim needs, law enforcement responses to stalking, and a bibliography."
Stalking and Domestic Violence: Views of Queensland Magistrates (pdf)
This paper reviews the current law on stalking and the factors that led to amendments being made to the Queensland Criminal Code in 1999. It also presents a detailed analysis of Magistrates responses to the issue of stalking in the context of making domestic violence orders.
"This fact sheet cites statistics about stalking in America, the impact of stalking on victims, behavior of stalkers, stalking and intimate partner femicide, state laws, and stalking on campus."
"This fact sheet created in Spanish, cites statistics about stalking in America, the impact of stalking on victims, behavior of stalkers, stalking and intimate partner femicide, state laws, and stalking on campus."
Stalking in Domestic Relationships: Preliminary Analysis of the Intrusiveness Scale (pdf)
The Intrusiveness Scale is a self-report survey specifically designed to measure the incidence/frequency of intrusive behaviour that may occur within the context of interpersonal relationships.
Stalking in Texas (pdf)
"This report presents information on stalking victimization among Texas residents. The data for this report came from a telephone survey of a random sample of Texas residents. Recommendations were made about the need for continuing educational efforts for the public and for people who work with victims of this crime. The importance of victim input in investigating this crime was underscored, as were suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims."
A fact sheet pointing out common myths and attitudes about stalking and provides information on the realities of this crime.
Stalking Resource Center Statistics
The Stalking Resource Center website offers various links to research,fact sheets, and statistics on stalking related crimes.
Stalking Victimization in the United States, 2009 Report
This document provides statistics on studies done in a 12 month span on the various forms of stalking. The study focuses on the intersection between stalking and victim and offender characteristics such as race, class, age, and gender. The study finds that women are nearly three times more likely than men to be stalked, and young people age 18 to 24 experience the highest rates of stalking.
Stalking: Criminal Justice Responses in Australia (pdf)
This paper examines current stalking legislation, police and court data within the Australian context. While the data can only be considered as indicative, rather than explanatory, the trends outlined suggest important differences in the treatment of stalking across Australian jurisdictions. Potential explanations for these differences are provided, and suggestions for future research are outlined.
Much is unknown about stalking occurring in non-western countries to determine whether it is a global phenomenon mainly because many countries have not enacted legislation that protects against this form of harassment. Cross-cultural subgroups of victims and stalkers and the co-occurrence of other crimes are to be explored as a research area. The author suggests implications for policy, practice, and research.
Ten Things You Need to Know about Stalking
An informative sheet created by the Stalking Resource Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime providing statistics and information on ways stalking is perpetrated.
Ten Things You Need to Know about Stalking (Spanish)
An informative sheet created in Spanish by the Stalking Resource Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime providing statistics and information on ways stalking is perpetrated.
The Incidence and Nature of Stalking Victimisation (pdf)
Paper presented at the Stalking: Criminal Justice Responses Conference convened by the Australian Institute of Criminology and held in Sydney 7-8 December 2000. This study examines the incidence of stalking behaviours in the community, the association between stalking and other forms of violence and factors which mediate the type and duration of stalking.
The Sexual Victimization of College Women (pdf)
Women attending colleges are at greater risk for rape and other forms of sexual assault than the general population or in another comparable age group. The study found that many women do not characterize their sexual victimization as a crime for a number of reasons including blaming themselves.The study reinforces the importance of many organizations’ efforts to improve education and knowledge about sexual assault.
The Tactical Topography of Stalking Victimization and Management
"This study conducted reported the average proportion of female victims across studies was 75%, and 77% of stalking emerged from a prior acquaintance, with 49% from intimate relationships. New typologies of stalking behavior, coping responses to stalking, and symptomology due to stalking victimization are reported and the author ends by presenting how these typologies should serve to influence new policy, practice, and research."
Understanding and Preventing Violence
"Discusses the findings of the National Academy of Sciences Panel on the Understanding and Control of Violent Behavior, established to review the current status of research in violence."
Woman Stalking in Iran (pdf)
"This paper comprises four parts: the first part discusses in brief the main factors that have impact on stalking of women in Iran. Then, in the second part, by classifying the stalkers according to their profiles, we will turn to analysing the effect of each factor on individuals. In part three, statistics drawn from a recent survey will be discussed and finally, in part four,the existing legal remedies to control stalking will be discussed."
Women Stalking Women at Work: A Preliminary Study on Nurses' Experiences
"This paper will explore nurses' experiences of workplace stalking. The data were analysed and compared with a secondary analysis of data from an earlier study into violence among nurses."
Advocacy
A High-Tech Twist on Abuse: Technology, Intimate Partner Stalking, and Advocacy
This Violence Against Women Online Resources commissioned document summarizes the existing knowledge on the use of technology to stalk. The author uses both published literature and contributions provided by numerous survivors’ reports to provide current information on the variety of sophisticated tools that are being used to stalk current and former intimate partners. The article also provides specific strategies for advocates, including safety planning information, a resource list, and a handout for survivors.
An informative brochure on stalking created by the National Center for Victims of Crime with information on steps to take if you or someone you know is being stalked. They also offer help in creating a safety plan.
Are You Being Stalked? (Spanish)
An informative brochure on stalking created in Spanish by the National Center for Victims of Crime with information on steps to take if you or someone you know is being stalked. They also offer help in creating a safety plan.
Campus Stalking (pdf)
"Highlights issues and suggests practical options for responding to stalking incidents that occur in college and university campus communities. Includes a review of the history, definitions, and statistics related to stalking, offering useful resources."
"This is a client-centered tool for civil attorneys new to representing victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking to provide comprehensive representation and advocacy for their clients."
Domestic violence laws in Australia
The report analyzes domestic violence legislation in all Australian States and Territories and in New Zealand in order to assist the Australian Government’s National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children. The report notes gaps and overlaps between State and Territory domestic violence protection orders and the Family Law Act 1975.
Facts About Intimate Partner Stalking in Minnesota and the United States (pdf)
A fact sheet created by the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women as part of a statewide training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and advocates titled the Anatomy of Strangulation.
A fact sheet pointing out common myths and attitudes about stalking and provides information on the realities of this crime.
Stalking Victimization in the United States, 2009 Report
This document provides statistics on studies done in a 12 month span on the various forms of stalking. The study focuses on the intersection between stalking and victim and offender characteristics such as race, class, age, and gender. The study finds that women are nearly three times more likely than men to be stalked, and young people age 18 to 24 experience the highest rates of stalking.
"These Standards are presented as aspirational guidelines for the operation of legal service providers, pro bono legal service providers, and individual lawyers representing victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in civil protection order cases."
Ten Things You Need to Know about Stalking
An informative sheet created by the Stalking Resource Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime providing statistics and information on ways stalking is perpetrated.
Ten Things You Need to Know about Stalking (Spanish)
An informative sheet created in Spanish by the Stalking Resource Center and the National Center for Victims of Crime providing statistics and information on ways stalking is perpetrated.
The Violence Against Women Act: Commemorating 15 Years of Working Together to End Violence
With the help of advocates, coalitions, and community partners around the country, VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) was federally enacted in 1994. VAWA recognized the devastating consequences that violence has on women, families, and society as a whole. Countless lives have been saved, the voices of survivors have been heard, families have been protected, and the criminal justice community has been trained on the complex responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. The United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women celebrates 15 years since the passage of VAWA.
Consequences
Facts About Intimate Partner Stalking in Minnesota and the United States (pdf)
A fact sheet created by the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women as part of a statewide training for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and advocates titled the Anatomy of Strangulation.
Report on Research on Rape and Violence (pdf)
"This report is a compendium of research on issues related to rape, sexual assault, and violence. While efforts have been made to include research from as many sources as possible, it is inevitable that other valuable sources of research may contain information no included in this report."
Stalking in Texas (pdf)
"This report presents information on stalking victimization among Texas residents. The data for this report came from a telephone survey of a random sample of Texas residents. Recommendations were made about the need for continuing educational efforts for the public and for people who work with victims of this crime. The importance of victim input in investigating this crime was underscored, as were suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims."
Stalking: Problem-Oriented Guide for Policing
This guide summarizes knowledge about how police can reduce the harm caused by stalking. This comes in a series of guides to prevention and to improving the overall response to incidents, not to investigating offenses or handling specific incidents. The guide is written for police of whatever rank or assignment who must address the problem of stalking.
Stalking: Ramifications and Preventative Strategies for Professionals (pdf)
This paper is divided into four sections: The first section gives the historical background of the psychologist’s eight year period of being stalked. Details of places and names have been altered to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved. Where the use of gender based descriptions are used, this is in relation to the situation described, and it is recognised that stalkers may be males or females and that the victims of stalking may be males or females. This section also looks at the experience of being stalked in connection with the legal system and the professional bodies concerned. The second section examines the impact on the victim, their family, neighbours, colleagues and peers. The third section concerns treatment and what the victim found was helpful and unhelpful in dealing with the experience. The fourth section includes recommendations relating to legislation, professional bodies, and training and orientation of students and new professionals.
The Incidence and Nature of Stalking Victimisation (pdf)
Paper presented at the Stalking: Criminal Justice Responses Conference convened by the Australian Institute of Criminology and held in Sydney 7-8 December 2000. This study examines the incidence of stalking behaviours in the community, the association between stalking and other forms of violence and factors which mediate the type and duration of stalking.
The Tactical Topography of Stalking Victimization and Management
"This study conducted reported the average proportion of female victims across studies was 75%, and 77% of stalking emerged from a prior acquaintance, with 49% from intimate relationships. New typologies of stalking behavior, coping responses to stalking, and symptomology due to stalking victimization are reported and the author ends by presenting how these typologies should serve to influence new policy, practice, and research."
Women Stalking Women at Work: A Preliminary Study on Nurses' Experiences
"This paper will explore nurses' experiences of workplace stalking. The data were analysed and compared with a secondary analysis of data from an earlier study into violence among nurses."