STALKING PART I - AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROBLEM

Objective: This paper is the first of a 2-part review on the topic of stalking. It outlines the behaviours involved, epidemiology, motivatio n of offenders, and mental health consequences for the victim. Method: Computerized literature searches were used ti identify relevant paper s from psychiatric and legal journals. Publications by victims' and wo men's organizations provided additional information. Results: Up to 1 in 20 women will be stalked during her lifetime. The minority of victi ms are female, while the offenders are usually male. Stalking behaviou rs range from surveillance to threatening aggressive or violent acts. The majority of stalking relates to failed intimate relationships. Sta lkers may also suffer from erotomania or obsessional love with a prima ry psychiatric diagnosis. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, guilt, helplessness. and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PT SD). Conclusion: Stalking is a serious offence perpetrated by disturbe d offenders. It can cause major mental health consequences, which ave often poorly understood by society.