Citation

Boon JCW, Sheridan L. J. Threat Assess. 2001; 1(2): 75-97.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J177v01n02_05

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the last ten years diverse attempts have been made to produce classificatory systems of stalkers, each with a different objective. The classificatory system advanced in this study was developed to serve the needs of law enforcement professionals. Based on a large number of documented, real-life cases (n = 124), the system was designed to identify and partition offenders according to motivational orientation. Specifically, four principal classifications were identified: (1) ex-partner harassment/stalking; (2) infatuation harassment; (3) delusional fixation stalking; and (4) sadistic stalking. The implications for assessing threat and preliminary recommendations for case management were advanced for each type. Inter-rater reliability among forensic and non-forensic psychologists in the application of the system was high (pairwise minimum > 92%), supporting the view that this system could be readily assimilated and consistently applied by professionals working in the field.