TREATMENT OF STALKING OFFENDERS: from a systematic review to novelties in literature

• In Event: Methodologies - Advances in Evaluative Research

Abstract

The perpetration of persecutory acts constituting the so-called crime of stalking has become so widespread as to require the delineation of effective interventions to counter it. However, it is difficult to identify a standardised model in terms of approach and follow-up. In this systematic review, we focused on studies analysing the effectiveness of a particular approach to the treatment of stalking offenders. The search on Scopus, PsychInfo, Pubmed and Cochrane resulted in the selection of only 4 studies that met the inclusion criteria, highlighting the lack of studies in the literature on the topic of interest. The present research has shown that stalking recidivism and stalking-related violence can be reduced through effective intervention. However, the specific type of intervention used seemed to be less important than the strictness of the intervention itself. The analysis of the methodologies outlined a still very content and heterogeneous scenario, especially regarding the choice of treatment approach and the impact on the risk of reoffending. In conclusion, investments in research are necessary as well as the delineation of an effective intervention for stalking perpetrators and new guidelines to promote the provision of treatment as a fundamental tool for the containment of the risk of reoffending and its measurement.

Authors

• Emma Flutti, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele

• Giulia Moretti, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele

• Palmina Caruso, University of Milan

• Federico Pacchioni, Vita-Salute S. Raffaele University

• Carolina Passani, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele

• Guido Travaini, Vita-Salute S. Raffaele University