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Stalking Victimization Report

January 13, 2009

The stalking report, a supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey, is the most comprehensive study of stalking to date and confirms what advocates in the field have long known - stalking is pervasive, women are at higher risk of being stalked, and there is a dangerous intersection between stalking and more violent crimes.

During a 12-month period, an estimated 14 in every 1,000 persons age 18 or older were victims of stalking.

  • 46% of stalking victims experienced at least one unwanted contact per week, and 11% of victims said they had been stalked for 5 years or more;
  • The risk of stalking victimization was highest for individuals who were divorced or separated - 34 per 1,000 individuals;
  • Women were at greater risk than men for stalking victimization; however, women and men were equally likely to experience harassment;
  • Male (37%) and female (41%) stalking victimizations were equally likely to be reported to the police;
  • Approximately 1 in 4 stalking victims reported some form of cyberstalking such as email (83%) or instant messaging (35%);
  • 46% of stalking victims felt fear of not knowing what would happen next; and
  • Nearly 3 in 4 stalking victims knew the offender in some capacity.

To read the full report, please visit the U.S. Department of Justice's website.