Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Violence risk factors in stalking and obsessional harassment: a review and preliminary meta-analysis
Other Titles:	Criminal Justice and Behavior
Authors:	Rosenfeld, Barry
Keywords:	Stalking;Perpetrators;Mental health;Risk factors
Year:	2004
Publisher:	Sage Publications
Citation:	31 (1), February 2004
Notes:	Definitions: While there are different definitions of stalking behaviour used in the research studies reviewed and this makes comparisons difficult, the author defines stalking as the occurrence of repetitive, unwanted contact perceived by the victim as intrusive or threatening or both. He notes that some statutes do not require the threat to be visible. Other terms used in the literature to describe this behaviour include obsessional followers, obsessional harassers and erotomaniacs (i.e. having an abnormally strong or persistent sexual desire). The author also acknowledges that there is controversy over the term ‘victim’, with some writers preferring ‘survivors’. However, this assumes that the victim survives by overcoming the impacts of the abuse. * the relationship between threats and violence is not always as obvious as it seems since there can be false positives and negatives, however all studies found a significant correlation despite varying methodologies. The study found that some violence by stalkers is common (between 30% and 50%) but severe violence is much less frequent (around 6%). Across the research studies reviewed, the rate of violence arising from stalking behaviour was recorded as 38.7%. Significant correlates for violence in stalking cases were identified as the presence of threats, substance abuse and the absence of a psychotic disorder. Strong correlates were the existence of a prior intimate relationship and a history of violent behaviour. Conclusion: On the basis of the meta analysis of research on stalking, the article concludes that the most significant factors influencing the likelihood of violence ensuing from stalking behaviour are:
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/12228
ISSN:	0093-8548
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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