Intimate Partner Violence and Intimate Partner Stalking

Stalking is a crime in every state in the United States and impacts millions of women and men each year. Stalking is an ongoing course-of-conduct that creates fear and concern for safety in those being targeted. The research on stalking has grown over the last 20 years but there are still many aspects of stalking that are unknown. In general, stalking victimization is associated with significant fear, distress, and physical and mental health problems. On a personal level, victims fear being assaulted and killed by their stalker and also that others close to them will be harmed. Victims also experience significant life damage from the stalker, along with concern that the stalking will never end and/or that it will get worse. Most stalkers target someone they know including intimate partners and acquaintances, but stalkers also target strangers and celebrities. This chapter will examine research on prevalence, definitions, and consequences of stalking. This chapter will also explore some of the unique features of intimate partner stalking (IPS) and how it intersects with intimate partner violence (IPV). Additionally, this chapter examines theories of stalking perpetration. Victim responses to stalking, including help-seeking, as well as the responses of the civil and criminal justice system will be discussed. The chapter ends with some best practices for responding to IPS as the victim, or an advocate, police officer, or advising mental health professional.