Stalking behavior: How to identify and what to do

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=160 BGCOLOR="#333333" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="03cdedc2ddualp.png"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dr. Wade Silverman, Ph.D"><U><B>Dr. Wade Silverman, Ph.D</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id8.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U><B>Contact Us</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id147.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="FAQs"><U><B>FAQs</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Dr. Silverman"><U><B>About Dr. Silverman</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id146.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Great links"><U><B>Great links</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Mind Reader© archive"><U><B>The Mind Reader© archive</B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" background="03d64643.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#666633" FACE="Times New Roman" ><B>Dr. Wade Silverman, Ph.D</B></FONT>    |     <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dr. Wade Silverman, Ph.D"><U>home</U></A></FONT></div> <div>                                                   </div> <div> Stalking behavior: How to identify and what to do</div> <bR> <bR> <div> In the previous newsletter we discussed stalking behavior as a condition that begins with behavior of a nuisance variety that can escalate to more dangerousness consequences. </div> <div> Predicting the risk of violence in the stalking situation is similar to and as difficult as predicting violence in other circumstances such as post-incarceration or hospitalization. The most important variable is to appraise the history of prior violent acts. The greater the number, the more potential for danger. A second consideration is the age at which the person first performed a violent act. The younger the individual was the more significant . A third consideration is the presence of a serious mental disorder. A fourth consideration is relationship instability. Similarly, individuals who cannot establish long relationships are more prone to violence. A lack of social support (e.g., no friends, no spouse) is related to the potential for violence. A fifth consideration is serious employment problems. Other important considerations include whether the individual has severe substance use problems, lacks empathy and concern for others, and had early maladjustment problems in school or at home.</div> <div> Obviously, the stalker's familiarity with, and access to, weapons is an important consideration when determining dangerousness. The assessment of current stressors is essential. A recent divorce, loss of job, or employment conflict exacerbates the potential for danger.</div> <div> Unfortunately, stalking behavior is both difficult and expensive to document. It may require the use of surveillance and private investigators. Although the police may be contacted to confront the stalker, this is not always successful. The victim may have to establish a new home or a new job. </div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>