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Predictors of recidivism by stalkers: A nine‐year follow‐up of police contacts
Author(s) -
Eke Angela W.,
Hilton N. Zoe,
Meloy J. Reid,
Mohandie Kris,
Williams Jennette
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
behavioral sciences and the law
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.649
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1099-0798
pISSN - 0735-3936
DOI - 10.1002/bsl.975
Subject(s) - recidivism , stalking , conviction , psychology , poison control , mental illness , suicide prevention , injury prevention , human factors and ergonomics , psychiatry , criminal conviction , occupational safety and health , sex offense , clinical psychology , medical emergency , mental health , medicine , sexual abuse , political science , law , pathology
In a subsample of a multisite stalking study (Mohandie, Meloy, McGowan, & Williams, 2006) comprising 78 offenders from one site, 77% committed new offenses within an average follow‐up of 106 months (8.8 years). Over half (56%) were charged for new stalking related offenses and 33% for violent recidivism. Violent reoffending, including sexual offenses, was predicted by risk factors consistent with existing literature: younger age at first conviction, prior release failures, and criminal history. Stalking recidivism was predicted by pre‐index offending scores, using the Cormier–Lang, and prior diagnosis of a mental illness. In addition, stalkers with previously diagnosed mental illness had significantly more police contacts as complainants than those without; their recidivism was also more likely to be non‐violent. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.