Abstract
In the United States, stalking was not considered a crime until 1990 when California passed the nation's first antistalking law. Although legal definitions of stalking vary across states, stalking is generally defined as repeatedly following, harassing, and menacing another person with the intent to cause fear in the victim. Stalking represents another form of aggression and violence in interpersonal relationships. Stalking can take many forms and appears to be quite common and part of everyday life experiences for many people. The fears, emotional, and financial distress that stalking victims endure are many and varied. Empirical findings from a growing body of research on stalking have rendered this type of victimization as a serious social problem and criminal justice concern that warrants attention and prevention.
Original language | American English |
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Title of host publication | The Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2016 |
Keywords
- obsessive relational intrusion
- relational harassment
- stalking
- unwanted pursuit
- behaviors