STALKING (Obsession Harassment) Charles L. Feer, JD, MPA Bakersfield College

Stalking (Calif. Law) Willful, malicious and repeated following or harassing of another accompanied by a credible threat with the intent to place a person in reasonable fear of safety to themselves or an immediate family member. (Law Enforcement is to give a 15 day notice to victims of the release of a stalker.)

Stalking Defined: Persistent unwanted contact and / or communication with a victim Resulting in the victim’s fear or distress.

Profile Vast Majority of stalkers are male. (80% of victims are female.) 27% are Females who stalk Public Figures. Persistent stalking behavior is associated with violent behavior. However, serious violent episodes occur < 10% of reported stalking incidents. Perpetrator usually knows or is familiar with the victim. Stalking affects 5% - 16% of adults at some point during their lifetime.

Profile, continued… Motive of most stalkers is control, intimidating or frightening their victims. Nearly all stalking cases will ultimately involve face-to-face contact.

Victims: Former Spouses / Intimates of stalkers are most at risk. Intimate Stalkers threatened persons and property. The more intimate a relationship between a stalker and a victim, the more likely a threat will be carried out.

Violence The availability of weapons or a history of using weapons increases significantly the risk of life-threatening violence. When stalking behaviors increase in frequency or severity, there is a heightened risk for violence. Sever mental disorders are not strong predictors of violent stalking. Stalking violence is greater if the stalker visits the victim’s home.

Stalking Typologies RECON – Relationship and Context. Persons who stalk public persons versus private persons. Type I – Perpetrator has had a previous relationship with the victim. Type II – Perpetrator has had no or very limited contact with the victim.

Victim Classifications 1) Intimate 2) Acquaintance 3) Public Figure 4) Private Stranger

Typologies Intimacy-Seeking Stalkers, are socially isolated, lonely, socially inept and filled with an inflated sense of entitlement. Rejected Stalkers, (largest group ) are ex-partners with mixed and confusing feelings of desire for reconciliation and revenge. Incompetent Stalkers regard their victims as attractive potential partners but are not infatuated with them.

Typologies Resentful Stalkers, are motivated to frighten and distress the victim. They may be paranoid and delusional. Predatory Stalkers, are potentially sexually violent. They take pleasure in the sense of power produced by stalking as well as the power in sexual assault.

Stalking will usually stop… When the stalker finds a new love interest. Law Enforcement intervention. “Warning” Arrest Restraining Orders do not seem to work, and may antagonize the stalker. Victim relocates. Research is silent on effect of ass beatings.

Questions