NCJ Number
181782
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 28 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2000 Pages: 69-82
Date Published
January 2000
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the nature of stalkers, stalking behaviors, and victims’ coping methods used data from 55 stalking cases recorded in the files of the city attorney’s domestic violence unit in San Diego, Calif.
Abstract
The cases were dated between 1992 and 1997. Most were currently active; even the older cases still had ongoing activity. The prosecuting city attorney selected the cases and designated them as problematic due to uncertainty about issues such as whether to prosecute. The researchers coded each case for more than 100 variables and examined multiple victimization factors to determine the characteristics of stalking victims and to analyze the relationship between victimization, symptomotology, and coping strategies. They also independently coded a random subsample of 10 percent of the cases to test for intercoder reliability. Results revealed that the most common coping strategy was to hang up the telephone when the stalker called. The victims reported feeling threatened more than any other symptom. In addition, as the perpetrator'’ tactics increased in numbers, breadth, or both, the victims experienced more symptoms. The majority of the case files reported a history of violence. Moreover, the presence of restraining orders had a strong correlation with victimization. Tables, appended coding form, and 65 references (Author abstract modified)