P106. Stalking in the Portuguese justice system: Victims, stalkers, criminal dynamics, and formal support

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Abstract

Stalking is a form of interpersonal violence characterized by persistent harassment. While its estimated prevalence in Europe is around 19.5%, it reaches 20.7% in Portugal. Yet, little is known about how the Portuguese justice system responds to stalking cases. This exploratory study analyses 190 judicial decisions to characterize victims and perpetrators, criminal dynamics, and the prosecution of stalking in Portugal. The findings indicate that the perpetrators were predominantly male and single, whereas the victims were mostly female. Stalking behaviors often occur both online and offline, typically lasting from 1 to 6 months, with daily or weekly occurrences. Over half (58,2%) of the cases resulted in convictions, and 14.4% were closed due to victim withdrawal. Reparation measures were applied in 43.3% of the decisions. Personal testimony emerged as the most frequently used evidence, while forensic expertise was minimally employed. Recommendations are present to enhance the effectiveness of the justice system in addressing stalking cases and improving formal support to the victims.

Authors

• marlene matos matos, University of Minho

• Beatriz simões Simões, University of Minho

• Ana Marques Fernandes Costa, University of Minho