Stalking Behaviour Checklist

What is a Stalking Behaviour Checklist?

Stalking behavior involves a pattern of unwanted, obsessive attention and actions directed towards a specific person, that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear, distress, or harm. Stalking can manifest in various ways, from intrusive actions (like following or spying on the victim, sending unwanted gifts, and/or repeated pr unwanted phone calls) to more aggressive behaviors (such as physical violence or breaking into the victim's home or car.

Common stalking behaviors include frequent unwanted phone calls, sending unsolicited gifts, and attempting to or successfully breach a victim’s personal space, like their home or vehicle. These actions often escalate over time, becoming increasingly invasive and dangerous.

Stalking can be triggered by various causes, including jealousy, rejection, or an obsessive need for control. Stalking victims suffer substantial emotional distress; it can have severe long-term effects, including chronic anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims often live in constant fear, significantly impacting their mental health and ability to live a normal life.

While stalking can happen to anyone, women are more likely to be stalking victims, and men are more frequently the perpetrators; in fact, stalking occurs in the context of domestic violence (Harris et al., 2022). However, it’s important to remember that stalking is not limited by gender. Men can also be victims, and women can be perpetrators. This issue transcends gender boundaries, and it can affect individuals from all walks of life.

Recognizing the early warning signs of stalking is crucial for the victim's safety and well-being; however, many stalking victims may not notice them, which is where the Stalking Behavior Checklist comes in. This checklist is an essential tool for identifying stalking patterns early, helping to prevent severe long-term effects (Coleman, 1997).

How to use our Stalking Behaviour Checklist template

To effectively use our Stalking Behaviour Checklist template, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the template

Begin by accessing the Stalking Behaviour Checklist template. You can do this through the Carepatron app by selecting "Use Template" to fill it out digitally, or by downloading a printable PDF version for manual use.

Step 2: Have the patient complete the checklist

Provide the checklist to a patient whom you suspect may be experiencing stalking, even if they are not yet fully aware of it. Explain the purpose of the checklist and ask the patient to answer each item honestly based on their recent experiences.

Step 3: Tally the score

After the patient completes the checklist, tally the score. The total score is already a good indicator, but the checklist can be divided into two subscales—violent behavior and harassing behavior—each of which should be scored separately. The specific scoring method will be discussed in the following section.

Remember, the checklist is best used for clients who do not notice a stalking pattern of behavior around them; if they are in immediate danger, it is best to contact law enforcement yourself.

Scoring

Once the patient has completed the Stalking Behaviour Checklist, scoring is straightforward. Begin by tallying the responses for each item and then getting the average by dividing the sum by 25. The lowest score is 1, indicating no stalking occurred. The highest score is 6; if the total score is high, it suggests that the victim is experiencing significant levels of stalking, which may warrant immediate intervention.

The checklist is also divided into two subscales:

• Violent behavior subscale (items 1-12): These items provide insight into the level of violent behavior the victim experienced.
• Harassing behavior subscale (items 13-25): These items reflect the level of harassing behavior the victim has endured.

Once you have calculated and interpreted the scores, you can guide the patient on the necessary next steps, which we will discuss in the following section.

Next steps after using the checklist

After scoring and interpreting the results of the Stalking Behaviour Checklist, it’s crucial to take appropriate actions based on the findings. Here are the recommended next steps:

1. Discuss the results with the patient: Review the findings with the patient, emphasizing the importance of recognizing stalking behaviors. Provide a supportive environment where the patient feels safe to share their experiences and concerns.
2. Safety planning: If the results indicate a high level of stalking behavior, work with the patient to create a safety plan. This may involve securing their home with cameras, locks, and/or fences. Discuss being safe by using safety apps by avoiding locations where the stalker might find them, carrying pepper spray, and using safety apps or devices (like a rape whistle or button).
3. Encourage legal action: Advise the patient to contact law enforcement if they have not already done so, especially if the stalking behavior includes violence or threats. Assist them in gathering evidence, such as documenting incidents or saving messages, to support their case.
4. Provide mental health support: Stalking can have severe psychological effects, so it’s essential to provide support. Therapy can help them cope with the trauma, manage anxiety, and rebuild their sense of safety and well-being.
5. Consider involving a support network: Encourage the patient to involve trusted friends or family members who can offer support (both emotional or security) and help monitor the situation. A strong support network can provide additional safety and reassurance during this challenging time.

These steps aim to empower the patient to take control of their situation and seek the help they need to protect themselves from further harm.

References

Coleman, F. L. (1997). Stalking behavior and the cycle of domestic violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 12(3), 420–432. https://doi.org/10.1177/088626097012003007

Harris, N., Sheridan, L., & Robertson, N. (2022). Prevalence and psychosocial impacts of stalking on mental health professionals: A systematic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 24(5), 152483802211295. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380221129581