Analysis of Stalking cases

The very nature and definition of stalking includes persistence on the part of the offender. Research and experience have identified several different stalking "typologies" and each carries a different level of risk of personal injury. Use of legal remedies has proved useful in some cases and of little value, in and of themselves, in others. When the stalker is unknown the first step is to identify the offender, while minimizing the risk to the victim, and a behavioural analysis of events can be of great benefit to this process. Once identified, it is the persistence of the offender that must be dealt with. Once again a behavioural analysis is a recommended part of any strategy designed to deal with a stalker.

Accurate classification of the offender typology should be an early step so that strategies can have a better chance of success. The better objective in a stalking situation is often "resolution" rather than "solution". Development of short, medium and long term strategies tailored to the circumstances of the victim and the typology of the offender can bring peace of mind to the victim and reduce, or eliminate, the risk of personal harm. Each case is different and, therefore, a standard or "cook book" approach has inherent limitations in terms of both risk and resolution. The strategies that work with one type of offender could have the opposite effect on a different type. Forensic Behavioural Analysis can bring extensive training, expertise and experience to bear on a specific case, be it a case of stalking or one of a false claim of being stalked. Expert evidence regarding stalking issues can also be of value in some cases.