Theoretical and Clinical Perspectives of Client Stalking Behavior

Abstract

This article applies theoretical perspectives of client stalking behavior to vignettes of clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) who have experienced stalking incidents. A description of stalking behavior, estimations of the frequency of stalking behavior, characteristics of stalkers, and the impact of stalking on victims are addressed. Health care professionals, including CNSs, may inadvertently become victims of stalking behavior. Firm and clear boundary setting is important in all CNS-client relationships. CNSs who believe that they are becoming the objects of attention for particular individuals are advised to convey a clear message that they have no interest in the development of such a relationship. In this article CNS responses to actual client stalking behavior, including confrontation by the CNS, police involvement, restraining orders, and use of the CNS's attorney, are explored. The use of clinical consultation and the need for agencies to develop safety plans for all employees are also addressed.

The epidemiology and characteristics of stalking

“…A mail survey [26] of self-reported work-related violence exposure of emergency physicians revealed high levels of verbal threats (74.9%), physical assaults (28.1%) and stalking events (3.5%). This result is supported by some case reports [27,28]. The most comprehensive study referring to this question was performed in the Italian province of Modena.…”

The Stalking of Lawyers: A Survey Amongst Professionals in Milan

“…Studies conducted amongst other professional categories suggest that the relationships with clients should remain strictly professional . If the behavior persists, researchers agree that all meetings, negotiations, discussions, or attempts to convince should be avoided because, even if negative, any communication reinforces the efforts of the stalker to keep in contact . The professionals must not naively think that stalkers can be reasonable; answering even one call in a hundred simply reinforces the stalker's determination by suggesting that perseverance pays off .…”

“…The professionals must not naively think that stalkers can be reasonable; answering even one call in a hundred simply reinforces the stalker's determination by suggesting that perseverance pays off . A complaint is particularly recommended if the behavior persists for a long time, especially if it is accompanied by threats or if the harassing behavior escalates .…”

Stalking by females

“…Female stalkers frequently pursue people they have met in a professional context. 41–45 According to Purcell et al., 1 in 95% of cases a female stalker’s victim is a person she knows and in 40% of cases someone she met for professional reasons. Instead, in the later study conducted by Meloy and Boyd, 2 the percentage of female stalkers of a known victim was lower, less than 50%.…”