NCJ Number
196861
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 29 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 590-616
Editor(s)
Kirk Heilbrun
Date Published
October 2002
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the phenomenon of stalking, the concept of risk assessment, limitations in guiding the risk assessment of stalkers, and evaluating approaches to risk assessment of stalkers.
Abstract
Stalking is an old problem but a relatively new criminal offense. This article attempts to demonstrate that risk assessment of stalkers is a complex and uncertain task today. However, there is enough known about violence risk assessment and about stalking itself to offer some guidance to mental health and law enforcement professionals. The article begins with an overview of what is known about stalking including the prevalence of stalking and characteristics or features of stalking, such as demographics, psychosocial functioning, criminal history, victim-offender relationship, the nature of stalking, severity, and timing/duration. Three primary problems are identified in the risk assessment of stalkers: (1) stalking is directed at specific people known to the perpetrator; (2) stalking may include acts that are perceived as threatening or violent only because of the context in which they occur; and (3) stalking can persist for many years. In looking at possible solutions in the risk assessment of stalkers, various issues are discussed including the process in assessing risk in stalkers, structuring profiles and typologies of stalkers, and constructing a menu of risk factors. In summation, three types of research are suggested in contributing to developments in risk assessment. They include: (1) the development of typologies or subtypes to clarify the diverse nature of stalking motivations and behaviors; (2) work on targeted violence to ensure that professionals attend to the full range of risk factors; and (3) create effective management of stalkers to clarify which risk factors are of the greatest relevance. References