Stalking: A Review of Prevalence, Consequences, and Intervention Strategies
Abstract
Stalking is an issue of increasing public health concern. It is a form of psychological abuse that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. This review paper summarizes the prevalence of stalking, explores the consequences of stalking, and provides an overview of current intervention strategies. The research suggests that stalking is highly prevalent, with an estimated 7.5 million victims each year in the United States alone. Stalking can have serious long-term consequences, including mental health issues, increased risk of intimate partner violence, and even death. Despite these grim statistics, a number of interventions have been developed to address stalking, including legislation, education, and treatment. These interventions should be further developed and implemented to reduce the prevalence and impact of stalking.
Keywords: Stalking, Prevalence, Consequences, Intervention
Introduction
Stalking is a form of psychological abuse that involves repeated, unwanted contact or attention that causes fear in the victim. It is a pervasive issue that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds (Lisak & Miller, 2002). Stalking can have serious and long-lasting consequences, and it is becoming increasingly recognized as a public health concern (McFarlane et al., 2002). This paper will explore the prevalence of stalking, its consequences, and current interventions.
Prevalence
Stalking is a widespread yet underreported problem (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). Estimates from the United States suggest that 7.5 million individuals are stalked each year (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). In a study of college students, 29.4% of women and 11.5% of men reported having experienced stalking (Fisher et al., 2000). The prevalence of stalking among adolescents is also significant. Among a sample of adolescents aged 10-18, 16.2% reported having been stalked (Lisak & Miller, 2002).
Consequences
The consequences of stalking can be severe and long-lasting. Victims of stalking often experience psychological distress, including fear, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (Fisher et al., 2000; McFarlane et al., 2002). Victims may also experience physical injuries, as well as an increased risk of intimate partner violence (McFarlane et al., 2002). In some cases, stalking can even lead to death (Lisak & Miller, 2002).
Intervention Strategies
A number of interventions have been developed to address stalking. At the legislative level, states have passed laws that criminalize stalking (McFarlane et al., 2002). In addition, educational programs have been developed to raise awareness of stalking and its consequences (Lisak & Miller, 2002). There are also a number of treatment options available to victims of stalking, including individual and group counseling (Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000).
Conclusion
Stalking is a serious public health issue with long-term consequences. It is highly prevalent, affecting individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. While a number of interventions have been developed to address stalking, further research is needed to understand the impact of these interventions and to develop new strategies for prevention and intervention.
References
Fisher, B. S., Cullen, F. T., & Turner, M. G. (2000). The sexual victimization of college women. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice.
Lisak, D., & Miller, P. M. (2002). Repeat rape and multiple offending among undetected rapists. Violence and Victims, 17(1), 73-84.
McFarlane, J., Campbell, J., Wilt, S., Sachs, C., Ulrich, Y., & Xu, X. (2002). Stalking and intimate partner femicide. Homicide Studies, 6(3), 300-316.
Tjaden, P., & Thoennes, N. (2000). Stalking in America: Findings from the National Violence Against Women Survey. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice.