Domestic Violence Stalking And Antistalking Legislation

Stalking is a distinctive form of criminal activity composed of a series of actions (rather than a single act) that taken individually might constitute legal behavior. In domestic situations, stalking typically occurs after the woman has attempted to leave the relationship. The man, unable to accept rejection, and unwilling to let the woman leave, begins to follow, threaten, harass, or assault her. The term "separation assault" has been coined to describe this behavior. This is the 1996 annual report providing information concerning the incidence of stalking and the effectiveness of State antistalking efforts and legislation.

Chapter 1 focuses primarily on stalking, briefly discussing the history of the stalking issue and the passage of antistalking legislation; Chapter 2 examines stalking in more detail: domestic violence situations; antistalking legislation; characteristics of stalking; constitutional challenges; and anecdotal information about the impact of the laws; Chapter 3 discusses interventions for domestic violence and stalking; Chapter 4 concludes with an overview of research and programs designed to increase our understanding about crimes against women.

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) represents a giant step forward in our country's response to violence against women, including stalking and domestic violence (S&DV). This annual report to Congress provides info. about strategies that show promise and research that enhances our understanding of S&DV, against both women and children. Chapters: S&DV in Amer.; fed. and state anti-stalking legislation; sentencing and supervision of stalkers; the Dept. of Justice's response to S&DV; anti-stalking legislation update; state stalking laws; stalking resources on the Internet; selected bibliography; and list of contacts for sentencing and supervision of stalkers.