NCJ Number
221127
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 22 Issue: 5 Dated: 2007 Pages: 546-562
Date Published
2007
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined the association of stalking with other types of violence after a protective order is issued and examined the associations between partner stalking and mental health status, as well as perceptions of protective order effectiveness.
Abstract
Findings suggest that partner stalking is a significant risk factor for continued partner violence including, psychological, physical, and sexual violence even after a protective order is issued. Study findings also suggest that the duration of stalking by a violent intimate partner uniquely contributes to perceptions of protective order effectiveness including, participants’ perceptions of protective order violations, personal safety, and effectiveness of the protective order. In summary, the study is one of the first to examine stalking within the context of partner violence and protective orders using a large sample of women. Results indicate that women who self-report stalking by a violent partner or ex-partner have more severe violence histories, increased psychological distress, lower perceptions of personal safety, and report more violations of a protective order, suggesting that partner stalking victimization warrants more research and attention. Research suggests that one of the largest categories of stalking perpetrators is intimate partners. Research also suggests that many women are stalked by partners who had been violent with them. The goals of this study were to examine stalking victimization over time among 662 women who received a protective order against a violent partner and to examine the impact of stalking on mental health and protective order outcomes. Tables, references