Experience and Pathways to Care of Women Victims of Stalking in Six European Countries

Background: The Modena Group on Stalking is a network of researchers based in Modena (S. Luberto – coordinator- with authors), involving Belgium (G. Vervaeke, A. Groenen), the Netherlands (P. Emmelkamp, J. Kamphuis), United Kingdom (D. James, F. Farnham), Spain (M. Aebi, M. Lopez) and Slovenja (M. Goradz, A. Bucar). The Group has been funded by the European Commission Daphne program to combat violence against children, young people and women.Aims: To outline the second research project of the Group, addressing pathways to care of women victims of stalking in the six participating Countries. A collection of fact sheets for helping professional and victims will be produced during the project.Method: The investigators will collect data on stalking of women in the six Countries by an online questionnaire translated into five languages. The questionnaire asks about characteristics of the stalking campaign, its practical and psychological effects (through standardized rating scales such as IES-R, GHQ-28 and WHO-5 Wellbeing Index, plus an ad hoc coping scale). Respondents will also detail contacts with all Agencies they asked for help and satisfaction with interventions.Results: Ten fact sheets were produced covering definition of stalking, prevalence, risk of physical violence, resources for receiving help and information, and other topics. Collection of data from the online questionnaire will start in September 2006 and end in March 2007.Conclusion: The fact sheets may be used for information and training activities. Analysis of data may show significant differences in terms of pathways to care and outcome for victims of stalking across countries. This will be useful to inform proposed harmonisation of services and guidelines for professionals and agencies dealing with this crime at the European level.