NCJ Number
210965
Date Published
2005
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This chapter proposes a comprehensive program for addressing the needs of stalking victims in the United Kingdom.
Abstract
Stalking was not recognized as a crime within the British legal system until 1997 with the passage of the Protection from Harassment Act. The current approach to victims of stalking in the United Kingdom requires victims to seek support from a variety of different agencies, many of which have no ties to one another and do not work within a collaborative framework. This type of bifurcated approach to victim services is inappropriate and, thus, the authors present a four-phase program for assessing and educating current and potential victims of stalking. The four phases are described as: (1) background and initial assessment; (2) determination of risk of harm; (3) assessment of symptoms and methods of coping; and (4) determining a plan of action. The theoretical basis for the stalking management recommendations is discussed and involves the avoidance of reinforcement and the provision of punishment. Each of the four phases of the stalking management program is described in detail, including how to assess stalking behavior, how to respond to different stalking scenarios, the importance of assessing mental health symptoms, and how to respond to stalking behavior depending on the outcome desired by the victim, such as prosecution or cessation. The appendix contains a sample assessment interview form to help practitioners assess a stalking victim’s particular situation. Figures, note, appendix, references