Electronic Resources:	http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/current%20series/tandi/361-380/tandi369/view%20paper.aspx
Web resource:	http://www.aic.gov.au/documents/7/E/1/%7B7E12F419-B012-4CE4-9D79-45C819CE70D2%7Dtandi369.pdf
Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Adolescent stalking: offence characteristics and effectiveness of intervention ordersTrends and issues in crime and criminal justice
Authors:	Flower, Teresa Mullen, Paul E Purcell, Rosemary
Keywords:	Perpetrators;Stalking;Criminal justice responses;Impact on children and young people
Year:	2009
Publisher:	Australian Institute of Criminology
Citation:	No. 369
Notes:	General Overview:This Australian empirical study examines the nature of stalking among adolescents, using a case study of applications for intervention orders against defendants aged 18 years or less in the Melbourne Children’s Court. Methodology: Between January 2004 and November 2006, 906 applications for intervention orders (IO) were processed in the Melbourne Children’s Court. A total of 299 applications met the study’s criteria for stalking, defined as multiple unwanted intrusions which persisted for two weeks or more. The researchers used court records to analyse the characteristics of the perpetrator and victim, the nature and duration of the stalking behaviour, and the effectiveness of the intervention order in curbing the perpetrator’s behaviour. Results: The majority of perpetrators were male (64%) and the majority of victims were female (69%). Almost all victims knew the perpetrator (98%), either as ex-school peers, family members, ex-intimate partners, former friends or neighbours. The main methods of stalking used by adolescents were unwanted approaches, phone calls, text messages and following. The vast majority of victims (75%) reported being threatened by the perpetrator, and 54% had been physically assaulted. The victims experienced anxiety and fear, an inability to concentrate in class, absenteeism and a decline in school performance, severe depression and suicidal ideation. Stalking most commonly occurred as an extension of bullying (28%). In 22% of cases, stalking occurred after the termination of an intimate or dating relationship, most often involving a male intruding upon a female, peer-aged victim (86%). Other types of offenders included retaliation stalkers, disorganised and disturbed stalkers, predatory stalkers and intimacy stalkers. Only 48% of IO applications were granted, with many victims discontinuing the application prior to the court hearing. Of the 145 applications which were granted, nine were subsequently breached. Conclusions:/> The researchers concluded that while there are similarities between the behaviours of adult and adolescent stalkers, there are also some noticeable differences. Adolescent stalkers use more immediate and direct means of contact, and are more likely to make threats or assault their victims. Adolescent stalking is most likely to occur in the context of bullying, while stalking of ex-partners was less frequent than amongst adult offenders. While the breach rate was low, this figure may be distorted by the time period of the study, as well as the fact that many applicants did not proceed with their IO applications in the first place. Recommendations/>: The researchers concluded that adolescent stalking should be taken more seriously. Additional research is needed on the impact of stalking on juvenile victims and ways of providing court support to IO applicants. Longitudinal studies of youth stalkers and their rates off offending in adulthood, and comparative studies of recidivism rates among defendants who receive an IO and those who do not, would also be helpful.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/12152
ISBN:	9781921532191
Physical description:	6p
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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