In The Eyes of the Beholder: A Review of Stalking Policy

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

New and increasing acknowledgment of an anti-social behavior labeled as “stalking” has surfaced over recent years. Stalking is an intentional behavior that can include harassment, threatening, and/or intimidating the victim by sending gifts, calling multiple times, and waiting outside an area where the victim is known to be. According to The National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC), stalking is prevalent as nearly one in twelve women and one in forty-five men are victims of stalking at least once in their lifetime. Stalking, sexual violence, and domestic violence are considered public health problems as they have a negative influence on millions of citizens each year, not only by direct harm, but also long-term health implications. The nature of stalking can present difficulties for victims to fully comprehend if they have been victimized. Victims may find a blurred line between behaviors that are related to stalking or are simply part of an unhealthy relationship. Since stalking recently became criminalized, the effectiveness of policies can be unclear. The current study aims to identity the current and recent stalking policies using the Supplementary Victimization Survey from the National Crime Victimization Survey to identify the strengths and weaknesses of stalking policies.

Author

• Jolene Vincent, University of Central Florida