Stalking and the impact of labelling “There’s a difference between my offence and a stalker”
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-07-2021-0026 |
| Published date | 20 February 2023 |
| Date | 20 February 2023 |
| Pages | 91-104 |
| 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,Alan Underwood |
Stalking and the impact of labelling
“There’s a difference between my offence
and a stalker”
Rachael Wheatley and Alan Underwood
Abstract
Purpose –This paper aims to consider stalking as an offending behaviour and th e prevailing narratives
associated with this offending behaviour given the increa sed attention of society and criminal justice. The
stereotypes and labels associated with the offending behaviour often sensationalise aspects of those who
engage in stalking. Frequently, individuals are portray ed as disturbed, psychopathic, mentally ill, violent and
culturally deviant. Sometimes stalking behaviour is p erversely downplayed as romantic perseverance. The
impact of the stalker label extends outward from the act of marking legal and societal transgression, which
impacts upon prospects for rehabilitation and desis tance through the shaping of assumptions and
maintenance of disempowering connotations.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper considers the impact of the stalking label as a
therapeutic-, and perhaps rehabilitation-interfering problem for those who have stalked, drawing on
recentresearch by Wheatley, Winder and Kuss (2020a).
Findings –It discusses the wide-ranging implications of labelling in this context and considers
therapeutic approachesfor intervention that may encourage rehabilitationengagement, mitigate shame
and supportdesistance from a strengths-basedperspective.
Originality/value –This paper draws on recent researchexploring stalking case narratives of their own
experiencesof what drives stalking behaviour,existing labelling literature, andon specialist practitioners’
experiences of working with this group, to influence future thinking and research to address nuances
highlighted.
Keywords Stalking, Stalker, Labels, Labelling, Desistance, Stereotypes
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
This paper’s focus is on the clinical reflection and observations of the authors in working with
those who have been convicted of stalking, as well as drawing on the work of Wheatley et al.
(2020a). The aim of the paper is to present considerations on the impact of labelling when it
comes to that of the “stalker” and to highlight how societal constructions of stalking may impact
rehabilitation and ultimately harm reduction. It is hoped this provides content for debate and
highlight how constructions of stalking may present a challenge in working with those who have
stalked. The paper will outline the current context, reflect on the literature of portrayals of stalking
(such as it is), and on the work of Wheatley et al. (2020a), alongside drawing on the clinical
experience of the authors, who have developed clinical speciality in the area of stalking and
have assessed and provided psychological therapy for those who have stalked in a range of
settings. The paper will end with consideration to stigma and labelling, and why the broader
narratives around stalking are important to recognise in the overall aim of reducing harm.
Stalking as a pattern of offending behaviour is receiving increased attention in recent years
in the United Kingdom from criminal justice practitioners and the public. Partly, this may be
Rachael Wheatley is based
at the University of Derby,
Derby, UK.
Alan Underwood is based
at the Stalking Threat
Assessment Centre at
Barnet, Enfield and
Haringey Mental Health
Trust, London, UK.
Received 9 July 2021
Revised 31 October 2021
28 October 2022
Accepted 31 October 2022
DOI 10.1108/JCP-07-2021-0026 VOL. 13 NO. 2 2023, pp. 91-104, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2009-3829 jJOURNAL OF CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY jPAGE 91
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