NCJ Number
171115
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1997) Pages: 389-403
Date Published
1997
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Stalking behaviors were assessed using data on 120 male and female batterers who attended group treatment for batterers or who were charged with domestic violence in January-February 1996 in a Michigan district court setting.
Abstract
A stalking checklist, developed and published for profiling unknown stalkers from victim reports, was adapted for self-report use with domestic violence participants. Subjects were divided into two groups, based on whether stalking behaviors were reported; 36 subjects (30 percent) self-reported stalking behaviors, while 84 subjects (70 percent) did not self-report stalking behaviors. Results showed stalkers tended to live alone, were less likely to be married, did not live with children, and used more alcohol than nonstalkers. Stalkers also tended to have a history of prior stalking offenses and of being abused themselves. Factor analysis identified three stalking groups: one in which discrediting was the key, one based on love turning to hate, and one involving violent confrontation with the ex- partner. Several areas for further research are suggested that include psychiatric classification and risk of murder and suicide. 27 references, 3 tables, and 1 figure