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.
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."
Chinese Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Chinese translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
"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 (pdf)
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.
How to Start and Facilitate a Support Group for Victims of Stalking (pdf)
The purpose of this handbook is to guide victim service providers, volunteers, and other concerned community members on how to initiate and implement a stalking support group. Also, this guide provides recommendations on how to locate partners and community support, identify resources, and engage victims who would like to participate in a stalking support group.
Korean Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Korean translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence
"The Lifetime Spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Winter 2010 Bulletin (pdf)
In the latest issue of the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence's (OPDV) quarterly newsletter, topics include the use of technology in stalking, predicting reabuse and murders of intimate partners, and training events happening around the state.
Punjabi Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Punjabi translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
Responding to Stalking: A Guide for Community Corrections (pdf)
"This guide provides an overview of stalking and suggestions on how to supervise probationers and parolees who engage in stalking behavior."
Stalking Myths and Realities (pdf)
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."
Tagalog Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Tagalog translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
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.
Chinese Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Chinese translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
Korean Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Korean translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
Punjabi Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Punjabi translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
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.
Tagalog Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence (pdf)
"Tagalog translation of the Lifetime Spiral of Gender Violence. The spiral implicitly locates a range of abuses in the lives of girls and women, revealing patterns of victimization and perpetration. The Lifetime Spiral is designed to be used by everyone to identify histories of violence in their own lives or in the lives of family and friends."
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 analyzing 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."
College campus
"This guidebook identifies key best practices to prevent and respond to sexual and intimate partner violence and stalking. It also provides short and long term action recommendations for colleges and universities to implement in four focused areas: preparedness, prevention, response and recovery."
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 summary reports on the key findings of research carried out by the National Union of Students between August 2009 and March 2010. Research concerned women students’ experiences of harassment, financial control, control over their course and institution choices, stalking, violence, and sexual assault.
Model Campus Stalking Policy (pdf)
Given the prevalence of stalking on campuses and its impact on victims, a dedicated effort to address stalking on campus is necessary. This document provides an example of a stalking policy that can be adapted and implemented on campuses. A university or college stalking policy is one of the best ways to address the significant problem of stalking on campus.
New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Fall 2010 Bulletin (pdf)
In the latest issue of the NY State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence's (OPDV) quarterly newsletter, topics include Domestic Violence and Suicide, Media Coverage of Domestic Violence, Legislative Update, Model Guidelines for College Campuses, and LGBT Curriculum update.
"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."
Stalking Fact Sheet (Spanish) (pdf)
"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.
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 Fact Sheet (pdf)
Bullet point information on stalking victimization, stalking laws, impact of stalking, and more.
Stalking in Texas (pdf)
This report presents information on stalking victimization among a sample of Texas residents. From this information, recommendations are 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 is underscored, as are suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims.
Stalking: Problem-Specific Guide for Police (pdf)
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 recognized 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)
This study examines the incidence of stalking behaviors in the community, the association between stalking and other forms of violence and factors which mediate the type and duration of stalking.
Paper presented at the Stalking: Criminal Justice Responses Conference convened by the Australian Institute of Criminology, 2000.
Women Stalking Women at Work: A Preliminary Study on Nurses' Experiences (pdf)
"This paper explores nurses' experiences of workplace stalking. The data were analyzed and compared with a secondary analysis of data from an earlier study into violence among nurses."
Internet safety
Intimate Partner Violence, Technology, and Stalking (pdf)
"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."
Online Harassment and Victimization of College Students (pdf)
The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of victimization occurring through social networking sites. Information was also sought on the internet behavior of college students. The rates of victimization initiated through online contact suggest that although social networking sites may provide opportunities for certain types of victimization, college students are still at a greater risk from people they meet offline.
Some Safety Considerations around using Technology
Provides basic safety considerations and tips around the use of technology for maintaining safety. Also speaks to the potential misuses of technology to monitor phone and internet activity.
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."
Intervention
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.
How to Start and Facilitate a Support Group for Victims of Stalking (pdf)
The purpose of this handbook is to guide victim service providers, volunteers, and other concerned community members on how to initiate and implement a stalking support group. Also, this guide provides recommendations on how to locate partners and community support, identify resources, and engage victims who would like to participate in a stalking support group.
Responding to Stalking: A Guide for Community Corrections (pdf)
"This guide provides an overview of stalking and suggestions on how to supervise probationers and parolees who engage in stalking behavior."
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: 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 recognized 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.
Legal/Policy
2010 Family Violence Legislative Update (pdf)
Every year, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Family Violence Department writes a legislative update. This document provides legislative trends and new domestic violence related legislation for most states. Only those states which did not have legislative sessions in 2010 have no new reports.
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.
Are You Being Stalked? Tips for Protection (pdf)
This information sheet will help you learn more about stalking. Includes definitions, what to look for, legal assistance, and advice.
Australian Institute of Criminology: Cyberstalking (pdf)
This article speaks to the different forms of stalking made possible with the use of the internet. Methods of intervention including legislation are discussed as well.
"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.
Domestic violence laws in Australia (pdf)
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 (pdf)
"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.
Model Campus Stalking Policy (pdf)
Given the prevalence of stalking on campuses and its impact on victims, a dedicated effort to address stalking on campus is necessary. This document provides an example of a stalking policy that can be adapted and implemented on campuses. A university or college stalking policy is one of the best ways to address the significant problem of stalking on campus.
Descriptions of statutes and penalties for violations.
Practical Implications of Current Domestic Violence Research Part I: Law Enforcement (pdf)
The author discusses the problem of domestic violence and the issues that emerge among law enforcement. This document also reviews the characteristics of many perpetrators and the victims they choose. Be sure to check out parts 2 & 3 which are linked from MINCAVA as well.
Responding to Stalking: A Guide for Community Corrections (pdf)
"This guide provides an overview of stalking and suggestions on how to supervise probationers and parolees who engage in stalking behavior."
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 (pdf)
While somewhat dated, 2008 was the most recent year that the National Violence Against Women Survey was completed. This document is a comprehensive summary of the stalking information gathered from the 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: 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.
Stalking: Problem-Specific Guide for Police (pdf)
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 recognized 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 (pdf)
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 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.
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 analyzing 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."
LGBTQ
The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) is an ongoing, nationally representative survey that collects information about experiences of sexual violence and stalking by any perpetrator and intimate partner violence among English and/or Spanish-speaking women and men aged 18 years or older in the United States. This report presents information based on respondents’ self-reported sexual orientation and their lifetime victimization experiences of sexual violence, stalking, and violence by an intimate partner. The indings in this report are for 2010, the irst year of NISVS data collection, and are based on complete interviews.
Manuals/Guides/Reports
2010 Family Violence Legislative Update (pdf)
Every year, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Family Violence Department writes a legislative update. This document provides legislative trends and new domestic violence related legislation for most states. Only those states which did not have legislative sessions in 2010 have no new reports.
"This guidebook identifies key best practices to prevent and respond to sexual and intimate partner violence and stalking. It also provides short and long term action recommendations for colleges and universities to implement in four focused areas: preparedness, prevention, response and recovery."
Domestic violence laws in Australia (pdf)
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.
This summary reports on the key findings of research carried out by the National Union of Students between August 2009 and March 2010. Research concerned women students’ experiences of harassment, financial control, control over their course and institution choices, stalking, violence, and sexual assault.
How to Start and Facilitate a Support Group for Victims of Stalking (pdf)
The purpose of this handbook is to guide victim service providers, volunteers, and other concerned community members on how to initiate and implement a stalking support group. Also, this guide provides recommendations on how to locate partners and community support, identify resources, and engage victims who would like to participate in a stalking support group.
Responding to Stalking: A Guide for Community Corrections (pdf)
"This guide provides an overview of stalking and suggestions on how to supervise probationers and parolees who engage in stalking behavior."
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."
Stalking Fact Sheet (Spanish) (pdf)
"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 a sample of Texas residents. From this information, recommendations are 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 is underscored, as are suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims.
Stalking Myths and Realities (pdf)
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.
Stalking Victims in the United States, Revised September 2012 (pdf)
Presents findings on victims of nonfatal stalking in the U.S., based on the largest data collection of such behavior to date. Data were collected in a supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) and sponsored by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). Topics covered in the report include stalking and harassment prevalence by demographic characteristics, duration of stalking and harassment, and the nature of behaviors experienced by victims.
Stalking: Problem-Specific Guide for Police (pdf)
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.
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."
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."
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)
This study examines the incidence of stalking behaviors in the community, the association between stalking and other forms of violence and factors which mediate the type and duration of stalking.
Paper presented at the Stalking: Criminal Justice Responses Conference convened by the Australian Institute of Criminology, 2000.
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 (pdf)
"This paper explores nurses' experiences of workplace stalking. The data were analyzed and compared with a secondary analysis of data from an earlier study into violence among nurses."
Prevention
"This guidebook identifies key best practices to prevent and respond to sexual and intimate partner violence and stalking. It also provides short and long term action recommendations for colleges and universities to implement in four focused areas: preparedness, prevention, response and recovery."
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."
Social and Economic Costs of Violence: Workshop Summary
This document is the summary of a workshop held by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Forum on Global Violence Prevention on the social and economic costs of violence. The workshop was designed to examine violence prevention approaches from multiple perspectives and at multiple levels of society. In particular, the workshop was focused on exploring the successes and challenges in presented interventions. Speakers were invited to share the progress and outcomes of their work and to engage in dialogue exploring gaps and opportunities in the field.
Stalking Fact Sheet (pdf)
Bullet point information on stalking victimization, stalking laws, impact of stalking, and more.
Stalking: Problem-Specific Guide for Police (pdf)
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 recognized 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.
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."
Increasing emphasis has been placed on the importance of evidence-informed prevention strategies and evidence-based decision making. In this guidance document, the authors aim to explain the purpose and meaning of the Continuum of Evidence of Effectiveness, a tool that was developed to facilitate a common understanding of what the Best Available Research Evidence means in the field of violence prevention. This Continuum also serves to provide common language for researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers in discussing evidence-based decision making.
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."
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.
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."
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.
This summary reports on the key findings of research carried out by the National Union of Students between August 2009 and March 2010. Research concerned women students’ experiences of harassment, financial control, control over their course and institution choices, stalking, violence, and sexual assault.
Intimate Partner Violence, Technology, and Stalking (pdf)
"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.
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."
Stalking Fact Sheet (Spanish) (pdf)
"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 America: Findings From the National Violence Against Women Survey (pdf)
While somewhat dated, 2008 was the most recent year that the National Violence Against Women Survey was completed. This document is a comprehensive summary of the stalking information gathered from the National Violence Against Women Survey.
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 a sample of Texas residents. From this information, recommendations are 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 is underscored, as are suggestions for thoroughly investigating reports of stalking and the provision of support services for victims.
Stalking Myths and Realities (pdf)
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.
Stalking Victims in the United States, Revised September 2012 (pdf)
Presents findings on victims of nonfatal stalking in the U.S., based on the largest data collection of such behavior to date. Data were collected in a supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) and sponsored by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). Topics covered in the report include stalking and harassment prevalence by demographic characteristics, duration of stalking and harassment, and the nature of behaviors experienced by victims.
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.
The Incidence and Nature of Stalking Victimisation (pdf)
This study examines the incidence of stalking behaviors in the community, the association between stalking and other forms of violence and factors which mediate the type and duration of stalking.
Paper presented at the Stalking: Criminal Justice Responses Conference convened by the Australian Institute of Criminology, 2000.
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.
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."
Increasing emphasis has been placed on the importance of evidence-informed prevention strategies and evidence-based decision making. In this guidance document, the authors aim to explain the purpose and meaning of the Continuum of Evidence of Effectiveness, a tool that was developed to facilitate a common understanding of what the Best Available Research Evidence means in the field of violence prevention. This Continuum also serves to provide common language for researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers in discussing evidence-based decision making.
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 analyzing 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 (pdf)
"This paper explores nurses' experiences of workplace stalking. The data were analyzed and compared with a secondary analysis of data from an earlier study into violence among nurses."
Technology
Australian Institute of Criminology: Cyberstalking (pdf)
This article speaks to the different forms of stalking made possible with the use of the internet. Methods of intervention including legislation are discussed as well.
Intimate Partner Violence, Technology, and Stalking (pdf)
"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."
New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Winter 2010 Bulletin (pdf)
In the latest issue of the NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence's (OPDV) quarterly newsletter, topics include the use of technology in stalking, predicting reabuse and murders of intimate partners, and training events happening around the state.
Safety & Privacy in a Digital World
This Special Collection provides information and resources to support the safety and privacy of those who may or do experience technology-assisted abuse. It reviews the ways in which technology can be misused by perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking to harass, threaten, coerce, surveille, exploit, and violate their victim(s). It offers tips for enhancing data security and personal privacy online, on computers and networks, and in public records and databases. The collection also explores considerations for advocates and organizations serving survivors of abuse, including advocacy tips, security and privacy protections for programs, and online presence and services.
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 Myths and Realities (pdf)
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 (pdf)
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."
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 Information Page
Stalkers often use technology to assist them in stalking their victims. This website provides information about how different technologies can be used to stalk, measures victims can take to keep safe, and additional information and resources.