Curtin University is undertaking the largest ever stalking study in Perth to investigate the rate and effects of stalking.<\/p>\n
Dr Lorraine Sheridan, Curtin\u2019s School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, is leading the project and said stalking victimisation and violence was a very serious offense, although it was often underestimated by both the authorities and the general public.<\/p>\n
\u201cStalking is an intentional pattern of repeated behaviour toward an individual that is unwanted and often results in fear,\u201d Dr Sheridan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrevious research shows one in five women and one in twenty men are victimised by stalking at some point in their lives.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also know that the successful execution of many violent offenses, such as serious sexual offenses and homicide, often follows a period of stalking.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Sheridan\u2019s previous research has found:<\/p>\n
Western Australia has had anti-stalking legislation in place since 1994, however no empirical study has as yet examined the stalking experiences of the Western Australian population.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project will investigate stalking victimisation and associated violence rates amongst young adults,\u201d Dr Sheridan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will explore the victim-offender relationship in stalking cases and examine the physical and psychological effects of stalking on the victims. Further, it will look at the coping strategies employed by victims of stalking.<\/p>\n
\u201cFindings from this study are expected to inform counselling and other social service practices to allow them to offer adequate and tailored intervention strategies to victims,\u201d Dr Sheridan said.<\/p>\n
Implications for more general public and social policies are also expected to be generated.<\/p>\n