Stalking presents unique challenges for risk assessment and management. This study examined long-term stalking recidivism among individuals assessed for stalking behavior between 2002 and 2013 in Victoria, Australia. We investigated (1) base rates of stalking recidivism, (2) individual factors associated with reoffending, (3) timing of recidivism, (4) differences in timing based on victim identity, and (5) how risk factors related to outcomes over time. The average follow-up was 11.1 years (range = 7–16), 27.6% reoffended with a stalking-related charge, 11.3% against the same victim as the original stalking case, and 17.2% against a different victim. Chi-square and survival analyses examined predictors and patterns of reoffending. Preoccupation with the victim at time of assessment was significantly associated with stalking the same victim, and in more than half of cases occurred within two years. Individuals with problematic anger were more likely to stalk a different person. Consideration of individual psychological risk factors and victim type may be valuable in assessment and intervention, particularly factors indicating elevated risk for more rapid recidivism. While findings are correlational, they indicate intense preoccupation and problems with anger may be meaningful targets for psychological treatment for those who stalk.
Bridgeman et al. (Mon,) studied this question.