Impact of Anti-Stalking Training on Front Line Service Providers: Using the Anti-Stalking Training Evaluation Protocol (ASTEP)

• NCJ Number: 207184
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 49 Issue: 5 Dated: ASTM International Pages: 1050-1055
• Author(s): Ronnie B. Harmon M.A.; Maureen O'Connor J.D.; Anick Forcier M.A.; Melissa Collins B.A.
• Date Published: September 2004
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper presents the findings of the Anti-Stalking Training Evaluation Protocol (ASTEP) regarding the impact of a New York State victim service provider's (Safe Horizon, Inc.) inhouse anti-stalking training program for front-line service providers.

Abstract

After reviewing New York State anti-stalking laws, this paper describes Safe Horizon's services to stalking victims, which are provided by a special anti-stalking unit. The anti-stalking training program assessed by the ASTEP involved instruction in stalking definitions, stalking typologies, stalker characteristics and their victims, the State's anti-stalking legislation, victimization issues, and safety planning. Training techniques included role playing and the discussion of stalking scenarios. ASTEP conducted pretests and posttests of trainees' knowledge and general perceptions of stalking, as well as the impact of the training on knowledge about New York's anti-stalking law and stalking in general. The training program was limited to a small, nonrandom sample of victim-services professionals who had varying levels of experience with stalking in a major metropolitan area. Although the trainees were familiar with stalking issues prior to the training, they benefited from information about various types of stalking and the legal options available to their clients in New York State. 3 tables and 21 references