Explaining Cyberstalking Victimization from a Target Congruency Approach

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Technology is constantly evolving, which creates new opportunities and techniques for offenders to engage in criminal behavior, specifically cybercrimes. While there are a multitude of cybercrimes, only one is of current interest – cyberstalking. Cyberstalking is a fairly new type of crime with little known about this type of victimization. Thus, this study seeks to address the gaps in the literature by identifying predictors of cyberstalking victimization. The target congruency approach, originally presented by David Finkelhor and Nancy Asdigian (1996) will be extended to cyberstalking victimization. Based on this perspective, there are three specific research questions of interest: Is there a relationship between cyberstalking victimization and (1) target vulnerability; (2) target gratifiability; and (3) target antagonism? Findings will also be useful in identifying associated negative consequences and for developing strategies to prevent future cyberstalking victimization.

Author

• Erica Fissel, University of Cincinnati