NCJ Number
166377
Date Published
July 1997
Length
87 pages
Annotation
This report on stalking, the second annual report to Congress under the Violence Against Women Act, provides information on the incidence of stalking and the effectiveness of State antistalking efforts and legislation.
Abstract
During the past few years, domestic violence has received significant national attention. Domestic violence occurs on a continuum ranging from emotional abuse at one end to homicide at the other end. The escalation of violence along this continuum often follows a predictable pattern, and understanding the nature of such violence can prevent further criminal activity. Even so, many questions remain about the incidence of stalking and its relation to domestic violence, appropriate prevention and intervention strategies, and the extent to which State antistalking laws are used. Preliminary findings from the first national stalking survey are discussed, and the Federal antistalking statute and changes in State antistalking laws are examined. Strategies are presented for police officers, prosecutors, and others on how to investigate and prosecute stalking cases and ensure victim safety. Victim perceptions of the effectiveness of civil protection orders are considered, and efforts at Federal, State, and local levels to deal with stalking and domestic violence are addressed. Finally, measures to improve the understanding of violent crimes against women are described. Appendixes contain stalking code citations by State, a selected bibliography on domestic violence and stalking, and a directory of law enforcement and prosecution offices and victim service providers. 69 references, 100 notes, 10 tables, and 3 figures