Introduction “stalking: what do we know about working with people who stalk and where do we go?”
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-07-2021-0024 |
| Published date | 08 February 2023 |
| Date | 08 February 2023 |
| Pages | 65-71 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Criminal psychology,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Deviant behaviour,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice |
| Author | Rachael Wheatley |
Introduction “stalking: what do we know
about working with people who stalk and
where do we go?”
Rachael Wheatley
Abstract
Purpose –There is an absence of qualitative research with individuals who have stalked. This special
issue of articles draws on one study, rich with the meaning-making of experts by experience. That is,
people who have stalked, been convicted and detained in UK prisons. The purpose of this issue is to
provide forensic practitionerswith an overview of current considerations for interveningwith individuals
who stalk. It doesthis by drawing together empirically derivedinterpreted experiences of men who stalk,
expandingkey discussions with expert practitionersin the field, working with those who stalk. It highlights
current thinking on the psychology of stalking and multidisciplinary options for risk management.
Furthermore,it provides an overview of necessaryfuture directions.
Design/methodology/approach –Research findings from a recent, novel, mixed methods study
(Wheatley, 2019 and Wheatleya et al., 2020) are discussed with other experienced stalking practitioners in
the UK for reflection and discussion. The papers synthesise the research findings, existing psychological
literature and practitioner experience to discuss implications for psychological practice with those who stalk.
Findings –The key findingsresonated with current practitioners,providing a springboard for expanding
thinking around stalking and crucialthemes such as narcissistic vulnerability, deterrence, labelling and
developingalternative meaningful activities.
Research limitations/implications –In providing this marriage of experiential expert insights, this
Special Issue advances the practice of psychology in relation to those who stalk, having clear applications to
the processes of risk assessment, intervention and management. Pivotally, how to enhance engagement
opportunities to develop working and therapeutic relationships.
Originality/value –This issue introducesnew subtopics, some of which have never been written about
before. It provides discussion papers marrying research with practitioner experience, with a focus on
practicalapplications within criminal psychologyand future directions.
Keywords Stalking, Psychology, Practitioner, Narcissistic vulnerability, Deterrence,Lab elling,
Occupational therapy
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
We know lots about stalking. When we combine knowledge from practitioners, academics,
researchers and experts by experience (victims and perpetrators), it seems that there are
few gaps. Whilst the reality remains that there is still a lot to learn (i.e. cultural and
neurodiversityinfluences for stalking perpetration, victimizationand identification of stalking),
one glaringly obvious gap in knowledge is how to stop stalking. This gap continues to
present challenges for practitioners, academics, researchers and experts by experience.
Ideas of what will constitute effective intervention, namely, long-term psychological
intervention alongside appropriate legal sanctioning, has been mooted for decades (Mullen
et al.,1999
,2001,2009). Similarly, and as asserted by Siepelmeyer and Ortiz-Mu
¨ller (2020),
“work with stalking offenders is byfar the most effective way to protectthe victims” (p. 329).
Rachael Wheatley is based
at the University of Derby,
Derby, UK.
Received 9 July 2021
Revised 19 February 2022
Accepted 19 February 2022
The research by Dr Rachael
Wheatley underpinning this
special issue was funded by
HMPPS Psychology Services,
UK.
DOI 10.1108/JCP-07-2021-0024 VOL. 13 NO. 2 2023, pp. 65-71, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2009-3829 jJOURNAL OF CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY jPAGE 65
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