Perceptions of Stalking Victimization Among Behaviorally Defined Victims: Examining Factors that Influence Self-Identification

Document Type

Book Section

Publication Date

1-20-2016

Publication Title

The Wiley Handbook on the Psychology of Violence

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

First page number:

158

Last page number:

178

Abstract

Although our scientific understanding of stalking victimization has increased in recent years, researchers continue to struggle with many important measurement issues related to studying this particular type of crime. Among one of the most challenging tasks researchers face is developing a valid operational definition of stalking victimization. The current study examines perceptions of stalking victimization among behaviorally defined stalking victims (n = 946) who were surveyed in 2006 during the National Crime Victimization Survey's (NCVS) Supplemental Victimization Survey (SVS). Victim, offender, and incident characteristics that are correlated with perceptions of stalking victimization are identified, and the likelihood that these factors influence a behaviorally defined victim's decision to also self-identify as a stalking victim is estimated. Results of survey weighted logistic regression show that few victim and offender characteristics affect perception of stalking victimization, but most of the incident characteristics significantly influence perceptions of stalking victimization. Current findings are discussed in terms of their policy implications. Recommendations for future study are also offered.

Keywords

Stalking victimization; Victim and offender characteristics; Self-identification

Disciplines

Criminology and Criminal Justice | Legal Studies | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Language

English

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