Examining Factors Associated with Stalking-Related Fears Among Men and Women Stalked by Male and Female Acquaintances

Abstract

This study examines experiences of acquaintance stalking victims ( n = 389), recruited from a community sample, by victim and stalker gender and explores factors associated with three measures of fear (fear of harm, perceived capability of stalker to harm, and fear of significant life impact). There were five main findings from this study: (a) although research suggests ex-partner stalkers are the most threatening, assaultive, and harassing stalkers, particularly for women, this study shows that a significant number of acquaintance stalking victims experience high levels of fear, threats, life interference, and assault; (b) women had higher stalking-related fear levels and a greater belief that their stalker was capable of harming them regardless of stalker gender, while men stalked by females were least concerned about harm; (c) close to one-quarter of victims had one unknown background factor and one-third indicated not knowing about two or more background factors suggesting variation in the level of victim knowledge about acquaintance stalkers; (d) the number of threats, stalker history of violence to others, the belief that the stalker does not care about severe consequences, and a greater number of unknown stalker background factors were associated with higher stalking-related fear levels and an increased perception that the stalker was capable of harm; and, (e) higher concern about a significant life impact from the stalking was associated with forced confrontations, believing the stalker wanted revenge, victim vulnerability, proxy stalking, and technology facilitated stalking. Future research is needed to better understand the dynamics of acquaintance stalking, particularly with regard to how close or distant the stalker was to the victim. Considering victim and stalker gender dynamics in acquaintance stalking may be important for safety planning and risk assessment.

Understanding female-perpetrated stalking.

“…Although the lower rate of female stalking contributes to the lack of knowledge of this phenomenon, there are broad social factors which influence the perception of women as stalkers. These social factors include gender-socialization scripts, which regard women as less dangerous and men as more capable of defending themselves, men being less likely to self-identify as victims of crime or report crime, men not receiving adequate victim support, and men being less likely to feel or admit fear for their safety (which is often a necessary component to stalking definitions; Langhinrichsen-Rohling, 2012; Logan, 2020b; Mullen et al, 2009; Scott et al, 2015; Wigman, 2009). Female victims of female-perpetrated stalking often have their sexuality questioned, as same-gender stalking is often incorrectly assumed to involve a homosexual relationship (Meloy et al, 2011; Stefanska et al, 2021).…”

“…Within community samples, Scott et al (2015) found that the victim was perceived to experience more distress and fear when the victim was female identified or the perpetrator was a male, with these perceptions stronger among female participants than male participants. Female victims of stalking showed higher levels of stalking-related fear and belief that the perpetrator could harm them (regardless of whether the perpetrator was male or female), whereas male victims of female stalking were significantly less concerned about being harmed (Logan, 2020b). Moreover, Sheridan and Scott (2010) found that violence among female stalkers was considered less dangerous than male-stalker-perpetrated violence.…”

“…To date, many of the studies on female stalkers have focused on understanding the characteristics and motivations of female stalkers, although there has been an increase in commentary on differences between female and male stalking. These studies have examined case files of female stalking (Meloy & Boyd, 2003; Meloy et al, 2011; Purcell et al, 2010), female stalkers in person (Purcell et al, 2001; Strand & McEwan, 2012; Thompson et al, 2012), victims of female stalking (Logan, 2020a, 2020b; Wigman, 2009), and community perspectives (Lippman, 2018; Scott et al, 2015). The research has typically included both male and female stalkers and victims (with Purcell et al, 2010 also examining juveniles) and has ranged across countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.…”

“…Female stalkers generally have lower rates of substance abuse than male stalkers, with rates ranging from 7.5% to 33% and 28% to 67%, respectively (Meloy & Boyd, 2003; Meloy et al, 2011; Purcell et al, 2001). As with male perpetrators, stalking duration by females varies, lasting between 1 day and 20 years, with an average of 21 weeks to 2.8 years cited across studies (Logan, 2020b; Meloy et al, 2011; Purcell et al, 2001; Strand & McEwan, 2012). Meloy et al (2011) found recidivism rates of 57% among female stalking cases, defined as recontacting the target after being directly told not to.…”

A rapid evidence assessment of psychological treatment approaches for stalking behaviour

“…Stalking is associated with greater fixation and persistence, and is more likely to impact the target’s everyday life. Studies have consistently demonstrated the negative psycho-social effects of stalking victimization (Korkodeilou, 2017; Logan, 2020). These include everyday life changes such as routine deviation, job loss, reduced socialization and, for some, relocation.…”