Stalking: Ramifications and Preventative Strategies for Professionals (From Stalking: Criminal Justice Responses, P 1-17, 2000, Australian Institute of Criminology -- See NCJ-188298)

• NCJ Number: 188313
• Author(s): Alexina Baldini
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: Paper from the conference, "Stalking: Criminal Justice Responses," organized by the Australian Institute of Criminology, December 7-8, 2000, in Sydney. Downloaded May 14, 2001

Annotation

This paper documents the stalking of the author, a psychologist, by a client; the impact of the stalking on the victim; and what the victim found to be most helpful in dealing with the experience, followed by recommendations relating to legislation, professional bodies, and training and orientation of students and new professionals.

Abstract

Based on her own experience, the author believes that the only way to make victims of stalking feel safer is to get the stalker into treatment, whereby his/her cognitive distortions can be challenged, the loneliness and isolation constructively addressed, and some insight into the impact of his/her behavior gained. The author further advises that the legal system must evolve to a greater understanding of the dynamics of stalking. Allowing a stalker to repeatedly attempt to revoke or change conditions of an intervention order is both wasteful of the court's time and the victim's money. Ways to implement a system in which an intervention order against a stalker could only be varied by the victim of stalking would be a protection for the victim. The option for intervention orders to run for longer periods of time should be explored. Treatment of the stalker should be mandated. Professional bodies, such as the professional registering body, should be more discriminating in how they handle vexatious complaints by possible stalkers, and they should be careful to protect information about professionals that should be guaranteed confidential. Early intervention and prevention of opportunities for stalking are likely to result in greater psychological health for the caring professional.