U.S. Department of Justice Embargoed for release to the public until 

Office of Justice Programs Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. EST.

Bureau of Justice Statistics

Special Report

January 2009, NCJ 224527

National Crime Victimization Survey

Stalking Victimization in the

United States

During a 12-month period an estimated 14 in every By Katrina Baum, Ph.D., Shannan Catalano, Ph.D., 1,000 persons age 18 or older were victims of stalking and Michael Rand

Bureau of Justice Statistics • About half (46%) of stalking victims experienced at least 

Kristina Rose one unwanted contact per week, and 11% of victims said

National Institute of Justice they had been stalked for 5 years or more.

• The risk of stalking victimization was highest for individu- During a 12-month period, an estimated 3.4 million persons als who were divorced or separated—34 per 1,000 age 18 or older were victims of stalking. Stalking is defined

individuals. as a course of conduct directed at a specific person that 

would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. The Supple- • Women were at greater risk than men for stalking victimmental Victimization Survey (SVS), which is the basis of ization; however, women and men were equally likely to 

this report, was conducted in 2006. The SVS identified experience harassment.

seven types of harassing or unwanted behaviors consistent • Male (37%) and female (41%) stalking victimizations with a course of conduct experienced by stalking victims. were equally likely to be reported to the police. The survey classified individuals as stalking victims if they

responded that they experienced at least one of these • Approximately 1 in 4 stalking victims reported some form

behaviors on at least two separate occasions. In addition, of cyberstalking such as e-mail (83%) or instant messagthe individuals must have feared for their safety or that of a ing (35%).

family member as a result of the course of conduct, or have • 46% of stalking victims felt fear of not knowing what 

experienced additional threatening behaviors that would would happen next.

cause a reasonable person to feel fear. • Nearly 3 in 4 stalking victims knew their offender in some

The SVS measured the following stalking behaviors: capacity.

• making unwanted phone calls

• sending unsolicited or unwanted letters or e-mails study. The federal government, all 50 states, the District of

Columbia, and U.S. Territories have enacted laws making • following or spying on the victim

stalking a criminal act, although the elements defining the 

• showing up at places without a legitimate reason act of stalking differ across states (see box, Stalking laws).

• waiting at places for the victim The SVS also identified victims who experienced the 

• leaving unwanted items, presents, or flowers behaviors associated with stalking but neither reported 

feeling fear as a result of such conduct nor experienced • posting information or spreading rumors about the victim actions that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. on the internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth. This report characterizes such individuals as harassment 

While individually these acts may not be criminal, collec- victims. These instances of harassment might eventually

tively and repetitively these behaviors may cause a victim have risen to the definitional requirement for stalking. Howto fear for his or her safety or the safety of a family member. ever, at the time of the interview, the offender’s actions and

These behaviors constitute stalking for the purposes of this victim’s responses did not rise to the threshold of stalking

victimization as measured by the SVS. 
2 Stalking Victimization in the United States

Few national studies have measured the extent and nature 

of stalking in the United States. The Department of Justice 

Office on Violence Against Women funded the 2006 SVS 

as a supplement to the National Crime Victimization Survey 

(NCVS) to enhance empirical knowledge about stalking 

(see Methodology). The SVS, which represents the largest 

study of stalking conducted to date, incorporated elements 

contained in federal and state laws to construct a working 

definition of stalking.

This report presents information on stalking victimization. 

Harassment is discussed where appropriate to provide 

fuller context. Appendix tables focus solely on stalking victims and exclude the people who experienced what this 

report terms as harassment. Persons interested in viewing 

the SVS data in its entirety may obtain the data file from the 

University of Michigan’s Archive of Criminal Justice Data 

<www.icpsr.umich.edu/NACJD>.

During a 12-month period an estimated 14 in every 

1,000 persons age 18 or older were victims of stalking

An estimated 5.9 million U.S. residents age 18 or older 

experienced behaviors consistent with either stalking or 

harassment in the 12 months preceding the SVS interview 

(table 1).1 Of the 5.9 million victims, more than half experienced behavior that met the definition of stalking. Approximately 14 per 1,000 persons age 18 or older experienced 

the repetitive behaviors associated with stalking in addition 

to feeling fear or experiencing behaviors that would cause 

a reasonable person to feel fear. Harassment victims, who 

experienced a course of conduct consistent with stalking 

but who did not report feeling fear, experienced these 

behaviors at a rate of 10 victimizations per 1,000 persons 

age 18 or older.

About half (46%) of all stalking victims experienced at least 

one unwanted contact per week (appendix table 6). Many 

victims of stalking reported being stalked over a period of 

months or years, and 11% of victims said they had been 

stalked for 5 years or more (figure 1). The fears and emotional distress that stalking engenders are many and varied. About 1 in 5 victims feared bodily harm to themselves, 

and 1 in 6 feared for the safety of a child or other family 

member.2 One in 20 stalking victims feared being killed by 

the stalker. About 4 in 10 stalkers threatened the victim or 

the victim’s family, friends, co-workers, or family pet.3

1

To place this estimate in perspective, there were about 5.2 million violent 

crimes—rape/sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple 

assault—committed in 2005.

2Table 10 lists the range of fearful reactions about which victims 

were surveyed.

3Table 13 lists various threats stalkers made to victims.

The most common type of stalking behavior victims 

experienced was unwanted phone calls and messages 

With the exception of receiving unwanted letters, e-mails, 

or other correspondence, stalking victims were more likely 

than harassment victims to experience all forms of 

unwanted behaviors (table 2). In particular, victims of stalking experienced higher levels of three unwanted behaviors 

most commonly associated with stalking. These included 

an offender following or spying on the victim, showing up at 

places without a legitimate reason, or waiting outside (or 

inside) places for the victim. Stalking victims were about 

3 times more likely to report experiencing these three 

behaviors than individuals who were harassed. For example, 34% of stalking victims reported that the offender followed or spied on them compared with 11% of harassment 

Table 2. Nature of stalking and harassment behaviors 

experienced by victims 

Percent of victims

All Stalking Harassment

Unwanted phone calls and 

messages 62.5% 66.2% 57.2%

Unwanted letters and e-mail 30.1 30.6 29.4

Spreading rumors 29.1 35.7 19.9

Following or spying 24.5 34.3 10.6

Showing up at places 22.4 31.1 10.2

Waiting for victim 20.4 29.0 8.3

Leaving unwanted presents 9.1 12.2 4.8

Number of victims 5,857,030 3,424,100 2,432,930

Note: Details sum to more tha

were permitted.

n 100% because multiple responses 

Table 1. Prevalence of stalking and harassment over the 

12 months prior to interview 

Number Rate

All victims 5,857,030 23.8

Stalking victims 3,424,100 13.9

Harassment victims 2,432,930 9.9

Note: The total population age 18 or older was 246,500,200 in 2006. 

Victimization rates are per 1,000 persons age 18 or older.

About 10% of victims were stalked for 5 years or more

Onset of unwanted behavior

6 months or less

7-11 months

1 year Harassment

Stalking 2 years

3 years

4 years

5 years or more

Don't know

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Percent of victims

Note: Estimates exclude 1.2% of stalking and 10.2% of harassment victims due to missing data. All victims experience at least

one unwanted behavior in the year before the interview.

Figure 1
Stalking Victimization in the United States 3

victims who reported experiencing this behavior. Thirty-one 

percent of stalking victims reported that the offenders 

showed up in places where they had no legitimate purpose 

being; approximately 10% of harassment victims reported 

this type of unwanted behavior. Also, 29% of stalking victims stated that the offender waited in places for them, 

while 8% of harassment victims reported this type of 

behavior.

Risk of victimization varies more for stalking than for 

harassment 

Females were at higher risk of stalking victimization than 

males (table 3). During the study period, females experienced 20 stalking victimizations per 1,000 females age 18 

or older. The rate of stalking victimization for males was 

approximately 7 per 1,000 males age 18 or older. Males 

and females were equally likely to experience harassment.

Age

As with victimization risk more generally, risk of being 

stalked diminished with age. Persons age 18 to 19 and 20 

to 24 experienced the highest rates of stalking victimization. About 30 per 1,000 persons age 18 to 19 and 28 per 

1,000 persons age 20 to 24 were stalked during 2006. 

Race and Hispanic origin of victim

Asians and Pacific Islanders (7 per 1,000 persons age 18 

and older) were less likely to experience stalking than 

whites (14 per 1,000), blacks (12 per 1,000), and persons 

of two or more races (32 per 1,000). Despite apparent 

racial differences, no other consistent patterns of risk for 

stalking victimization emerged. Non-Hispanics were more 

likely than Hispanics to experience stalking. During the 

study period, non-Hispanics experienced about 14 stalking 

victimizations per 1,000 individuals age 18 and older. The 

rate for Hispanics during this period was 11 stalking victimizations per 1,000 persons age 18 or older. 

Marital status

The rate of stalking victimization for individuals who were 

divorced or separated was 34 per 1,000 individuals age 18 

or older—a higher rate of victimization than for persons of 

other marital status. Individuals who had never been married (17 per 1,000 individuals) were at a lower risk of stalking victimization than divorced or separated persons, but 

were at a higher risk of stalking victimization than persons 

who were married (9 per 1,000) or widowed (8 per 1,000). 

Income

As with crime more generally, a pattern of decreasing risk 

for stalking victimization existed for persons residing in 

households with higher incomes. Individuals in households 

with an annual income under $7,500 and $7,500 to 

$14,999 were equally likely to be stalked but more likely to 

be victimized than were persons in households with an 

annual income at or above $25,000. 

Stalking laws

While the federal government, all 50 states, the District 

of Columbia, and U.S. Territories have enacted 

criminal laws to address stalking, the legal definition 

for stalking varies across jurisdictions. State laws vary 

regarding the element of victim fear and emotional 

distress, as well as the requisite intent of the stalker. 

Some state laws specify that the victim must have 

been frightened by the stalking, while others require 

only that the stalking behavior would have caused a 

reasonable person to experience fear. In addition 

states vary regarding what level of fear is required. 

Some state laws require prosecutors to establish fear 

of death or serious bodily harm, while others require 

only that prosecutors establish that the victim suffered 

emotional distress. Interstate stalking is defined by 

federal law 18 U.S.C. § 2261A. 

Table 3. Characteristics of stalking and harassment victims

Rate per 1,000 victimsa

Population All Stalking Harassment

Gender

Male 120,068,420 16.9 7.4 9.5

Female 126,431,780 30.3 20.0 10.2

Age 

18-19 8,047,540 47.2 29.7 17.5

20-24 20,346,940 45.7 28.4 17.3

25-34 39,835,680 30.1 20.2 9.9

35-49 65,886,490 29.9 17.3 12.6

50-64 51,400,990 20.4 10.4 10.0

65 or older 35,515,670 9.3 3.6 5.7

Race

White 200,874,080 24.1 14.2 9.8

Black 29,853,700 22.7 12.2 10.5

American Indian/

Alaska Native 1,695,400 33.0 19.6* 13.4*

Asian/Pacific Islander 11,317,780 13.4 7.0 6.4

More than one raceb 2,759,240 49.3 31.6 17.7

Hispanic origin

Hispanic 29,522,670 16.5 10.6 5.9

Non-Hispanic 215,025,170 24.7 14.4 10.3

Marital status

Never married 79,715,080 26.9 16.6 10.3

Married 123,633,560 16.8 8.7 8.1

Divorced or separated 26,334,200 51.8 34.0 17.8

Widowed 14,318,190 16.0 7.5 8.5

Household Income

Less than $7,500 8,418,570 47.0 31.7 15.3

$7,500 - $14,999 14,562,850 40.1 27.4 12.6

$15,000 - $24,999 22,428,240 32.3 21.1 11.1

$25,000 - $34,999 22,862,680 27.4 15.8 11.5

$35,000 - $49,999 30,345,140 25.2 15.8 9.4

$50,000 - $74,999 37,956,910 23.1 12.6 10.6

$75,000 or more 56,633,800 18.8 9.6 9.2

Note: Table excludes missing data. 

*Based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

aVictimization rates are per 1,000 persons age 18 or older.

bIncludes all persons of any race, including persons who identify 

two or more races.
4 Stalking Victimization in the United States

Victims were more likely to be stalked by an offender of 

the same age and race

Offender age

Individuals were more likely to be stalked by offenders of 

similar age (appendix table 1). Nearly half of victims age 

21 to 29 were stalked by offenders perceived to also be in 

their twenties, and 38% of victims age 30 to 39 perceived 

the offender to also be in their thirties. 

Race

Similar to other types of victimization, stalking is primarily 

intraracial in nature (appendix table 2). Most (83%) of white 

stalking victims perceived the offender to be white compared to 66% of black stalking victims who perceived the 

offender to be black. This pattern of intraracial victimization 

changes for persons of other races. Despite apparent differences, persons of other races were equally likely to be 

stalked by an offender who was black, white, or of another 

race.4

Offender gender

Males were as likely to report being stalked by a male as a 

female offender (table 4). Forty-three percent of male stalking victims stated that the offender was female, while 41% 

of male victims stated that the offender was another male. 

Female victims of stalking were significantly more likely to 

be stalked by a male (67%) rather than a female (24%) 

offender. 

Stalking is unlike most crimes because a course of conduct 

designed to create fear in another person does not necessarily require that the victim come into contact with the 

offender. For example, a victim may receive repeated 

threatening correspondence without knowing the source of 

the communication. Sixteen percent of male stalking victims and approximately 10% of female stalking victims 

were not able to identify the gender of the offender.

4Other races include American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asians, Native 

Hawaiians, other Pacific Islanders, and persons identifying two or more 

races.

Number of offenders

About 6 in 10 stalking victims stated that the perpetrator 

was a single offender (appendix table 3). A much lower percentage of victims reported being stalked by two (18%) or 

three (13%) offenders.

Relationship

About a tenth of all victims were stalked by a stranger, and 

nearly 3 in 4 of all victims knew their offender in some 

capacity (table 5). Stalking victims most often identified the 

stalker as a former intimate (21.5%) or a friend, roommate, 

or neighbor (16.4%).

Table 4. Perceived gender of the stalking or harassment offender, by victim gender 

Gender of victim

All Stalking Harassment

Gender of offender Male Female Male Female Male Female

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Male 31.7 58.3 41.3 66.9 24.2 41.3

Female 37.9 22.4 42.5 23.5 34.3 20.3

Don't know 30.4 19.3 16.1 9.6 41.5 38.4

Number of victims 2,028,800 3,821,140 888,680 2,531,770 1,140,120 1,289,370

Note: Table excludes missing data about offenders from 0.2% of all male victims, 0.1% of all female victims, 

0.4% of female stalking victims, and 0.3% of female harassment victims. Detail may not sum to 100% due 

to rounding.

Table 5. Victim-offender relationship in stalking and 

harassment

Percent of victims

All Stalking Harassment

Total** 100% 100% 100%

Known, intimate 27.6% 30.3% 22.5%

Current intimate

Spouse 4.3 5.6 1.8*

Boy/girlfriend 3.8 3.2 5.1

Former intimate

Ex-spouse 7.1% 8.4% 4.6%

Ex-boy/girlfriend 12.4 13.1 11.0

Known, other 44.7% 45.1% 44.4%

Friend/roommate/

neighbor 16.7 16.4 17.4

Known from work or 

school 10.1 9.9 10.6

Acquaintance 9.4 9.8 8.8

Relative 8.5 9.0 7.6

Stranger 10.6% 9.7% 12.5%

Unknown 16.9% 15.0% 20.6%

Number of victims 4,619,430 3,064,950 1,554,480 

Note: Table excludes 0.5% of all victims, 0.3% of stalking victims, 

and 0.7% of harassment victims due to missing data. Detail may 

not sum to 100% due to rounding.

*Estimate based on 10 or fewer cases.

**Includes victims who could identify a single offender who was 

most responsible.
Stalking Victimization in the United States 5

Employment status of the offender

Forty-two percent of stalking victims stated that the 

offender was employed during the time stalking occurred 

(appendix table 4). Victims were equally likely to report that 

the offender was unemployed or that the victim was unable 

to ascertain the employment status of the offender.

Problems with the law

Thirty-six percent of stalking victims stated that the offender 

had some previous interaction with law enforcement 

(appendix table 5). A similar percentage of victims (38%) 

were unable to identify whether the offender had problems 

with the law prior to the stalking victimization. 

One in 10 victims reported that the stalking started 

5 years or more before the survey

Over half of all victims reported that the stalking or harassment began “less than a year ago” (figure 1). Harassment 

victims had characteristically experienced the harassing 

behavior for a shorter period leading up to the interview 

(6 months or less). Stalking victims were most likely to be 

stalked once or twice a week or with no set pattern (appendix table 6). Nearly a quarter of all victims reported that 

they were stalked almost every day (16.9%) or at least 

once a day (6%).

Victim perception of why stalking began

The most common reasons victims perceived for the stalking were retaliation, anger, spite (37%), or desire to control 

the victim (33%) (table 6). About 1 in 6 victims believed the 

stalking started to keep him or her in the relationship with 

the offender, and 1 in 10 reported the stalking began while 

living with the offender (not referenced in a table). About a 

tenth of victims did not know why the stalking began.

Cyberstalking and electronic monitoring

More than 1 in 4 stalking victims reported some form of 

cyberstalking was used, such as e-mail (83%) or instant 

messaging (35%) (table 7). Electronic monitoring was used 

to stalk 1 in 13 victims. Video or digital cameras were 

equally likely as listening devices or bugs to be used to 

electronically monitor victims (46% and 42%). Global positioning system (GPS) technology comprised about a tenth 

of the electronic monitoring of stalking victims.

Table 6. Victim perception of reasons stalking 

or harassment began

Percent of all victims

 All Stalking Harassment

Retaliation/anger/spite 30.0% 36.6% 20.0%

Control 25.2 32.9 13.4

Mentally ill/emotionally unstable 16.7 23.4 6.6

Liked me/found me attractive/

had crush 13.7 16.8 9.0

Keep in relationship 12.9 16.2 7.9

Substance abuser 10.3 14.4 4.1

Stalker liked attention 7.7 9.1 5.7

Proximity/convenience/

I was alone 4.8 6.6 2.2

Catch me doing something 3.3 4.3 1.9

Different cultural beliefs/background 3.2 4.0 1.8

Thought I liked attention 2.5 2.4 2.6

Other reasons 23.8 19.3 30.7

Don't know why 16.6 10.6 25.7

 Number of victims 5,644,500 3,416,460 2,228,050

Note: Table excludes 3.6% of all victims, 0.2% of stalking victims, and 

8.4% of harassment victims due to missing data. Details sum to more 

than 100% because multiple responses were permitted. 

Table 7. Involvement of cyberstalking or electronic 

monitoring in stalking and harassment

Percent of victims

All Stalking Harassment

Total 100% 100% 100%

No cyberstalking or electronic monitoring involved 72.7% 73.2% 72.1%

Any type of cyberstalking 

or electronic monitoring 26.6% 26.1% 27.4%

Cyberstalking 23.4 21.5 26.4

Electronic monitoring 6.0 7.8 3.4

Don't know 0.6 0.7 0.6

Percent of cyberstalking a involving —

E-mail 82.6% 82.5% 82.7%

Instant messenger 28.7 35.1 20.7

Blogs or bulletin boards 12.5 12.3 12.8

Internet sites about victim 8.8 9.4 8.1

Chat rooms 4.0 4.4* 3.4*

Percent of electronic 

monitoring involving —b

Computer spyware 44.1% 33.6% 81.0%*

Video/digital cameras 40.3 46.3 19.3*

Listening devices/bugs 35.8 41.8 14.8

GPS 9.7* 10.9* 5.2*

Number 5,200,410 3,158,340 2,042,070

Note: Table excludes 8.8% of all victims, 7.8% of stalking victims, and 

10.2% of harassment victims due to missing data. Details sum to 

more than 100% because multiple responses were permitted.

*

Estimate based on 10 or fewer samples.

aBased on 1,217,680 total victims, 677,870 stalking victims, and 

539,820 harassment victims who experienced cyberstalking.

bBased on 314,400 total victims, 244,880 stalking victims, and 69,530 

harassment victims who experienced electronic monitoring.
6 Stalking Victimization in the United States

One in 7 victims reported they moved as a result of the 

stalking

The most common types of actions victims took to stop the 

stalking from continuing were to change usual activities 

outside of work or school, stay with family, or install caller 

ID or call blocking (table 8). The least frequent actions 

taken were to alter one’s appearance or get pepper spray, 

a gun, or some other kind of weapon. Forty percent of 

stalking victims did not change their usual activities outside 

of work or school, take protective actions, or change their 

personal information.

Help from others

Seven in 10 victims of stalking sought help to protect themselves or to stop the stalking (table 9). Victims were most 

likely to enlist the help of family or friends, followed by asking people not to release information about him or her (43% 

versus 33%). About 7% of victims contacted victim services, a shelter, or a helpline.

Reasons stalking stopped

At the time of the interview, 3 in 5 of the victims reported 

the stalking had stopped, while about 2 in 5 reported it was 

ongoing (appendix table 7). The most common victim perceptions for why the unwanted contacts stopped were that 

the police warned the stalker (15.6%), the victim talked to 

the stalker (13.3%), or a friend or relative intervened 

(12.2%). About a tenth of victims attributed the cessation of 

the unwanted behavior to obtaining a restraining, protection, or stay away order.

Emotional impact

For stalking victims, the most common fear cited was not 

knowing what would happen next (table 10). Nine percent 

of stalking victims reported their worst fear was death. 

Twenty-nine percent of stalking victims feared the behavior 

would never stop. More than half of the stalking victims 

feared bodily harm to themselves, their child, or another 

family member.

More than 7 in 10 of all victims felt angry or annoyed at the 

beginning of the unwanted contacts or as they progressed 

(table 11). Stalking victims were about twice as likely as 

harassment victims to feel anxious or concerned at the 

Table 8. Whether stalking or harassment victims took 

actions to protect themselves or stop unwanted behaviors

Percent of victims

All Stalking Harassment

Changed usual activities outside 

work or school

Changed day-to-day activities 14.3% 21.6% 4.1%

Stayed with family 11.6 18.1 2.6

Took time off work or school 10.8 16.7 2.6

Avoided family/friends 10.3 14.9 3.7

Changed route to work or school 9.2 13.4 3.3

Changed or quit job or school 6.7 9.5 2.9

Altered appearance 1.5 2.3 0.4*

Took protective actions

Installed caller ID/call blocking 13.4% 18.1% 6.7%

Changed telephone number 12.6 17.3 5.8

Changed locks/got security 

system 8.7 13.2 2.4

Got pepper spray 4.0 6.3 0.8*

Got a gun 1.9 2.9 0.5*

Got another kind of weapon 1.8 2.1 1.4*

Took self-defense classes 0.9 1.1 0.5*

Changed personal information

Changed email address 5.9% 6.9% 4.4%

Changed social security number 0.3 0.2* 0.3*

Did not change behaviors listed 55.1% 39.7% 76.9%

Number 5,857,030 3,424,100 2,432,930 

Note: Details sum to more than 100% because multiple responses 

were permitted.

*Estimate based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

Table 9. Types of help sought by stalking or harassment 

victims

Percent of victims

All Stalking Harassment

Total 100% 100% 100%

Enlisted help of friends/family 30.0 42.6 12.2

Asked people not to release 

information 24.0 32.9 11.6

Talked to boss/employer 16.2 21.6 8.6

Talked to an attorney 13.5 19.9 4.4

Obtained a restraining/protection/

stay away order 9.4 15.6 0.6

Talked to a mental health 

professional 8.3 12.4 2.6

Contacted building/office security 6.4 9.2 2.5

Talked to clergy/faith leader 6.1 9.0 2.0

Talked to a doctor or nurse 6.0 9.1 1.5

Contacted victim services/shelter/

help line 4.5 7.3 0.5*

Hired a private investigator 0.7 1.1 0.1*

Did not seek help** 47.3 30.3 71.2

Number of victims 5,857,030 3,424,100 2,432,930 

Note: Details sum to more than 100% because multiple responses 

were permitted.

*Estimate based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

**Victims might have sought help from someone other than those

listed above.
Stalking Victimization in the United States 7

beginning of the unwanted contacts (52.7% versus 25.4%). 

As the unwanted contacts progressed, about 15% of stalking victims felt depressed or sick, and 1% reported feeling 

suicidal. 

Workplace impact

Of the 79% of stalking victims who had a job during the 

12 months preceding the interview, about 1 in 8 lost time 

from work because of fear for their safety or to pursue 

activities such as obtaining a restraining order or testifying 

in court (appendix table 8). Seven percent of victims lost 

time from work for activities such as changing a phone 

number, moving, or fixing or replacing damaged property. 

For 1 in 7 of these victims, a day or less was lost from work 

(appendix table 9). More than half of victims lost 5 or more 

days from work. About 130,000 victims reported that they 

had been fired from or asked to leave their jobs because of 

the stalking (not referenced in table).

Financial impact of stalking on victim

About 3 in 10 of stalking victims accrued out-of-pocket 

costs for things such as attorney fees, damage to property, 

child care costs, moving expenses, or changing phone 

numbers (appendix table 10). About a tenth of victims 

spent less than $250, while 13% spent $1,000 or more. 

About 296,000 stalking victims lost pay from work (appendix table 11). Over half of the victims lost less than $1,000 

of pay, and 8% of victims lost $5,000 in pay or more.

Stalkers commit various types of crimes against 

their victims 

Stalking offenders committed identity theft against about 

204,000 victims. Over half of these victims had financial 

accounts opened or closed in their names or money taken 

from their accounts, and 3 in 10 of these victims had items 

charged to their credit cards without their consent.

Any identity theft 204,230 100%

Opened/closed accounts 110,850 54.3

Took money from accounts 105,130 51.5

Charged items to credit card 60,790 29.8

Note: Estimates exclude 0.1% of missing data. 

Details sum to more than 100% because multiple 

responses were permitted.

Table 10. Victims’ worst fears resulting from stalking

Percent of victim

Not knowing what would happen next 46.1%

Behavior would never stop 29.1

Bodily harm 30.4

Harm or kidnap child 12.9

Harm other family member 12.2

Loss of freedom 10.3

Death 8.9

Loss of job 6.3

Harm current partner 6.0

Losing one's mind 4.3

Other 16.6

Don't know 5.3

Number of victims 3,416,900 

Note: Table excludes 0.2% of stalking victims due to missing data. Details sum to more than 100% because multiple 

responses were permitted.

*Estimate based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

Table 11. How the victim felt when the stalking or harassment began and progressed 

Percent of victims

All Stalking Harassment

Beginning Progressed Beginning Progressed Beginning Progressed

Annoyed/angry 72.5% 74.2% 68.9% 69.6% 78.1% 81.4%

Anxious/concerned 42.2 36.2 52.7 46.7 25.4 19.4

Frightened 26.8 25.7 41.7 41.7 3.2* ~a

Helpless 15.6 16.4 22.4 23.4 4.8 5.1

Depressed 10.8 10.2 15.9 15.2 2.8 2.3

Sick 10.0 9.8 14.8 14.7 2.2* 1.8

b Suicidal 0.9 0.9 1.4 1.4 ~ ~

Other way 9.7 10.1 7.9 8.9 12.4 11.9

Number of victims 5,574,400 5,530,940 3,416,430 3,406,220 2,157,980 2,124,720 

Note: Table excludes 4.8% of all victims, 5.6% of all stalking victims, and 0.2% of harassment victims at the 

beginning of the behaviors and 0.5% of all victims, 11.3% of all stalking victims, and 12.7% of harassment 

victims as the behaviors progressed due to missing data. Details sum to more than 100% because multiple 

responses were permitted.

*Estimate based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

~Not applicable. 

aHarassment victims, by definition, were not frightened as the unwanted behaviors progressed.

bHarassment victims, by definition, did not report feeling suicidal as a result of the unwanted behaviors.
8 Stalking Victimization in the United States

About 16% of all victims suffered property damage in conjunction with the stalking (table 12). Among stalking victims, 

the most common type of violent crime experienced in conjunction with stalking was to be hit, slapped, or knocked 

down (12.3%). About 6% of the stalking victims had a family member, friend, or co-worker who was attacked.

Weapon involvement and injuries 

About 139,000 stalking victims were attacked with a 

weapon. Stalkers were equally likely to use a knife, blunt 

instrument, or other object, and 23% of the weapons used 

were handguns. Of the 279,000 victims who were injured in 

an attack, nearly all (99%) of these victims sustained minor 

bruises and other injuries. About a fifth sustained serious 

injuries, including gunshot or knife wounds, internal injuries, or broken bones.

Weapon used in attack 138,630 100%

Knife/other sharp object 58,850 42.4

Handgun 31,610 22.8*

Blunt or other object 52,670 38.0

*Estimate based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

Injuries sustained in attacks 278,580 100%

Rape/sexual assault 38,590 13.9*

Serious injuries 52,080 18.7

Minor or other injuries 276,440 99.2

Note: Details sum to more than 100% because 

multiple responses were permitted.

*Estimate based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

Threats

Stalkers made one or more threats to 43% of victims 

(table 13). Stalking offenders were most likely to threaten to 

hit, slap, or otherwise harm the victim (13.6%) or to kill the 

victim (12.1%). Somewhat less likely was the stalker threatening to kill himself or herself (9.2%). Less than 5% of the 

threats involved harm to a child, friend, co-worker, pet, or 

the threat of rape or sexual assault.

Stalking victimization was equally likely to be reported 

to police whether the victim was male or female 

For violent crime more generally, victimizations experienced by females are more likely to be reported to the 

police than those experienced by males. However, this pattern of reporting by gender is not observed for the crime of 

stalking. Male and female stalking victimizations were 

equally likely to be reported to the police (table 14). Thirtyseven percent of male and 41% of female victimizations 

were reported to the police by the victim or another person 

aware of the crime. 

The most common reasons for not reporting stalking victimization to the police were that it was a private or personal 

matter or that it was a minor incident (appendix table 12). 

About 40% of victims stated that police were contacted 

once regarding the stalking, while 3% of victims stated that 

police were contacted in excess of 15 times (appendix 

table 13). Stalking victimization was most often reported to 

the police by the victim (83%), the victim’s family (26%), or 

a friend or neighbor (12%) (appendix table 14). 

Table 12. Other crimes perpetrated by the offender against 

the stalking or harassment victim 

Percent of victims

All Stalking Harassment

Property damage 15.9% 24.4% 4.0%

Damaged property of victim or 

someone in victim's household 9.5 15.0 1.8

Illegally entered house/apartment 8.6 13.2 2.2

Illegally entered car 3.8 6.3 0.5*

Attacked victim 12.3% 21.0% 0.0%

Hit/slapped/knocked down 7.2 12.3 ~

Choked or strangled victim 2.4 4.2 ~

Attacked victim with a weapon 2.4 4.0 ~

Chased or dragged with a car 2.1 3.5 ~

Raped/sexually assaulted victim 0.9 1.6 ~

Attacked or attempted to attack 

in some other way 4.3 7.3 ~

Attacked person/pet other than 

victim 8.8% 15.0 4.0%

Attack or attempt to attack 

a family member 3.5 6.0 ~

Attack or attempt to attack 

a friend or co-worker 3.4 5.8 ~

Attack or attempt to attack a pet 2.2 3.7 ~

Attack or attempt to attack a child 2.2 3.7 ~

 Number of victims 5,857,030 3,424,100 2,432,930 

*Based on 10 or fewer sample cases. 

~Not applicable. Harassment victims by definition were not attacked, 

nor were their friends, co-workers, family members, or pets.

Table 13. Threats offenders made against stalking victims

Percent of victims

Number Percent

Total 3,392,520 100%

No threats made 1,927,020 56.8%

Threatened to— 1,465,510 43.2%

Hit/slap/harm 462,610 13.6

Kill victim 411,830 12.1

Harm or kill self 313,580 9.2

Harm with a weapon 242,420 7.1

Harm another family member 209,770 6.2

Harm or kidnap child 166,230 4.9

Harm friend or co-worker 151,460 4.5

Harm a pet 87,020 2.6

Rape/sexually assault 56,050 1.7

Other way 511,530 15.1

Note: Table excludes 0.9% of stalking victims due to missing data. 

Details sum to more than 100% because multiple responses were 

permitted.
Stalking Victimization in the United States 9

Stalking victims report differing experiences with the 

criminal justice system

When contacted about a stalking victimization, the most 

common police response was to take a report. More than 

half of police officers took a report when contacted regarding the stalking (appendix table 15). Seventeen percent of 

responding officers gave the victim self-protection advice, 

while 8% of the officers arrested the perpetrator. 

Nearly 20% of victims stated the police took no action when

contacted. Of this 20%, victims were equally likely to perceive that no action was taken by law enforcement 

because police did not want to get involved (29%), had no 

legal authority (18%), or were inefficient or ineffective 

(16%) (appendix table 16). About 50% of victims perceived

the stalking situation stayed the same after contacting the 

police (appendix table 17). Victims were equally likely to 

perceive the situation “improved” or “worsened” following a 

report to the police. For victims who had contacted police 

on more than one occasion, the survey recorded only the 

police action taken in response to the latest call.

A fifth of victims filed charges against the stalking perpetrator (appendix table 18). Of those individuals filing charges, 

3 out of 10 victims stated the outcome was still pending or 

that a restraining, protection, or stay away order was 

issued to deal with the offender. Victims were equally likely 

to report being satisfied (46%) or dissatisfied (49%) with 

the criminal justice system’s responses to their stalking 

incident (appendix table 19) and were generally split on the 

helpfulness or lack of helpfulness of criminal justice representatives, with one exception: some victims said that victim advocates were helpful (6%) during the criminal justice 

process (appendix table 20).

Table 14. Percent of stalking and harassment victimizations reported to the police, by victim gender

Percent of victims

All Stalking Harassment

Male Female Male Female Male Female

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Reported 20.6 32.8 36.8 41.0 6.8 13.9

Not reported 79.4 67.2 63.2 59.0 93.2 86.1

Number of victims 1,941,650 3,637,570 892,340 2,528,990 1,049,320 1,108,580

Note: Table excludes 4.5% of all male victims, 4.9% of all female victims, 0.1% of female st

harassment victims, and 14.2% of female harassment victims due to missing data. 

alking victims, 8% of male 
10 Stalking Victimization in the United States

Methodology

The Supplemental Victimization Survey (SVS) was administered as a supplement to the National Crime Victimization 

Survey (NCVS) during January through June, 2006. All 

NCVS respondents age 18 and older were eligible for the 

supplement. About 65,270 persons participated in the supplemental survey. The response rate for eligible individuals 

was 83%. 

The estimates presented in this report are annual prevalence estimates for persons age 18 or older victimized by 

stalking or other harassing behaviors during the 12 months 

prior to the interview. Since the interviews were conducted 

during the first 6 months of 2006, the majority of the stalking behaviors occurred during 2005. 

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the 

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) convened a 1-day forum 

with experts in the area of stalking and violence against 

women. Researchers, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and victim advocates comprised the expert group. 

Also included in the group were representatives from the 

Census Bureau, the federal agency that carries out survey 

development and data collection for BJS. The purpose of 

the 1-day forum was to discuss definitional and methodological issues surrounding the crime of stalking, determine 

where gaps in current information on stalking existed, and 

determine how the SVS could further research and knowledge regarding this crime.

Following this meeting, a small federal working group was 

formed with representatives from OVW, BJS, and the Census Bureau. The working group met weekly for approximately 12 months until a satisfactory survey instrument 

was completed and approved. During the last phase of the 

survey development, the Census Bureau conducted cognitive interviews with stalking victims around the United 

States to test the reliability and validity of the instrument. 

Changes to the instrument were made to incorporate findings from these interviews.

The name of the SVS intentionally does not indicate that 

the focus of the supplemental survey is stalking. This decision was made to avoid biasing the responses of individuals and the subsequent estimates. The respondents had to 

state that they experienced all of the following in order for a 

course of behavior to be counted as stalking victimization: 

• at least one of the harassing behaviors in the stalking 

screener 

• harassing behavior more than one time on separate 

days

• at least one of the harassing contacts occurred during 

the 12 months prior to the interview 

• they feared for their own or a family member’s safety or 

experienced another crime committed by the offender 

that would make a reasonable person fearful (see the 

survey screen questions on the next page). 

Victims of harassment met all the requirements for stalking 

victimization except those associated with induced fear or 

the commission of additional associated crimes. Harassing 

acts by bill collectors, telephone solicitors, or other sales 

people were excluded from the estimates of stalking and 

harassment. 

Standard error computations

Comparisons of percentages and rates made in this report 

were tested to determine if observed differences were statistically significant. Differences described as higher, lower, 

or different passed a test at the 0.05 level of statistical significance (95% confidence level). Differences described as 

somewhat, lightly, marginally, or some indication passed a 

test at the 0.10 level of statistical significance (90% confidence level). Caution is required when comparing estimates not explicitly discussed in the report.

Victim perception of whether behavior was stalking

The SVS screened victims to determine whether they 

met the behavioral criteria of having unwanted or 

harassing contacts on more than one occasion during 

the past year that made them feel annoyed, fearful, anxious, or concerned. Researchers specifically avoided 

using the term “stalked” throughout the questionnaire so 

as not to bias findings based on the victim’s perception 

of what was occurring. The final question in the supplement asked whether the victim perceived the unwanted 

contacts or harassing behaviors to be stalking. Stalking 

victims were more than twice as likely as harassment 

victims to label the unwanted behavior as stalking 

(54% versus 21%). 

Victim perception of 

whether behavior was Percent of victims

stalking All Stalking Harassment

Total 100% 100% 100%

Considered to be—

Stalking 40.3% 53.6% 20.7%

Not stalking 59.7 46.4 79.3

Number of victims 5,588,150 3,325,220 2,262,940

Note: Table excludes 4.6% of all victims, 2.9% of stalking victims, 

and 7.0% of harassment victims due to missing data.

The final question on the survey asked, “Do you consider the series 

of unwanted contacts or harassing behavior you told me about to be 

stalking?”
Stalking Victimization in the United States 11

Screener questions for stalking behaviors

Now, I would like to ask you some questions about 

any unwanted contacts or harassing behavior you 

may have experienced that frightened, concerned, 

angered, or annoyed you. Please include acts 

committed by strangers, casual acquaintances, 

friends, relatives, and even spouses and partners. 

I want to remind you that the information you provide 

is confidential.

1. Not including bill collectors, telephone solicitors, or 

other sales people, has anyone, male or female, 

EVER – frightened, concerned, angered or annoyed 

you by ...

a. Making unwanted phone calls to you or leaving 

messages?

b. Sending unsolicited or unwanted letters, e-mails, or 

other forms of written correspondence or communication?

c. Following you or spying on you?

d. Waiting outside or inside places for you such as your 

home, school, workplace, or recreation place?

e. Showing up at places where you were even though 

he or she had no business being there?

f. Leaving unwanted items, presents, or flowers?

g. Posting information or spreading rumors about you 

on the Internet, in a public place, or by word of 

mouth? 

f. None

Questions used to identify actions that would 

cause a reasonable person to feel fear

1. In order to frighten or intimidate you, did this 

person attack or attempt to attack

 a. a child

b. another family member

c. a friend or co-worker

d. a pet 

2. During the last twelve months, did this person 

attack or attempt to attack you by...

a. hitting, slapping, or knocking you down

b. choking or strangling you

c. raping or sexually assaulting you

d. attacking you with a weapon

e. chasing or dragging with a car

f. attacking you in some other way

3. Other than the attacks or attempted attacks you 

just told me about, during the last 12 months, did this 

person threaten to...

a. kill you

b. rape or sexually assault you

c. harm you with a weapon

d. hit, slap, or harm you in some other way

e. harm or kidnap a child

f. harm another family member

g. harm a friend or co-worker

h. harm a pet

i. harm or kill himself/herself

4. What were you most afraid of happening as these 

unwanted contacts or behaviors were occurring? 

a. death

b. physical/bodily harm

c. harm or kidnap respondent's child

d. harm current partner/boyfriend/girlfriend

e. harm other family members

f. don't know what would happen

Questions used to measure fear

1. How did the behavior of (this person/these 

persons) make you feel when it FIRST started? 

Anything else?

a. anxious/concerned

b. annoyed/angry

c. frightened

d. depressed

e. helpless

f. sick

g. suicidal

h. some other way – specify

2. How did you feel as the behavior progressed? 

Anything else?

a. no change in feelings

b. anxious/concerned

c. annoyed/angry

d. frightened

e. depressed

f. helpless

g. sick

h. suicidal

i. some other way - specify
12 Stalking Victimization in the United States

Appendix table 1. Perceived age of the stalking offender, by age of the 

victim

Offender age Age of the victim

18-20 21-29 30-39 40-49 50 or older

Total 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Under 18 10.9* 0.7* 1.8* 2.1* 2.0*

18-20 41.6 5.7 2.3* 2.9* 1.0*

21-29 23.3 48.2 13.8 8.8 3.8*

30-39 5.1* 23.0 37.6 16.7 16.3

40-49 6.7* 7.7 20.8 34.2 18.7

50 or older 2.4* 5.9 9.9 21.6 34.6

Age of offender 

unknown 10.0* 8.8 13.9 13.7 23.6

Number of victims 349,490 929,080 752,690 722,890 663,660

Note: Table excludes missing data about offenders from 0.8% of stalking victims 

age 30 to 39. 

*Based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

Appendix table 2. Perceived race of the stalking offender, by race of 

the victim

Victim race

Offender race White Black Some other race

Total 100% 100% 100%

White 82.8 12.5* 45.4

Black 5.2 65.6 16.0*

Some other race 7.6 11.8* 29.8

Race of offender unknown 4.3 10.1* 8.8*

Number of victims

*Based on 10 or fewer sample

2,582,360

 cases.

328,900 160,400

Appendix table 3. Number of stalking offenders 

perceived by victim

Percent of victims

Total 100%

One 62.1

Two 18.2

Three or more 13.1

Number unknown 6.5

Number of victims 3,398,630

Note: Table excludes 0.7% of stalking victims due to 

missing data. 

Appendix table 4. Employment status of the stalking 

offenders, as perceived by victims

Percent of 

victims

Total 100%

Employed 42.1

Unemployed 24.9

Sometimes employed/unemployed 6.4

Victim unable to determine employment status 26.6

Number of victims 3,420,450

Note: Table excludes 0.1% of stalking victims du

data. 

e to missing 

Appendix table 5. Stalking victims’ perceptions of 

offenders’ previous problems with the law

Percent of 

victims

Total 100%

Offender had problems with the law 35.9

Offender did not have problems with the law 26.3

Victim unable to determine if offender had 

problems with the law 37.8

Number of victims 3,410,710

Note: Table excludes data about offenders from 0.4% of 

stalking victimizations. 

Appendix table 6. Frequency of stalking during 

the 12 months prior to the interview

Number Percent of victims

Total 3,416,100 100%

1-2 times/year 381,540 11.2

1-2 times/month 565,790 16.6

1-2 times/week 770,380 22.6

Almost every day 576,960 16.9

At least once a day 204,860 6.0

No set pattern 864,920 25.3

Don’t know 51,650 1.5

Note: Table excludes 0.2% of stalking victims due to missing data. 
Stalking Victimization in the United States 13

Appendix table 7. Victims’ perceptions of whether stalking 

had stopped and reasons it stopped

Number Percent of victims

Total 3,404,110 100%

Stalking ongoing 1,234,330 36.3%

Stalking stopped 1,976,050 58.0%

Respondent took measures

Victim talked to stalker 263,790 13.3%

Victim moved 214,150 10.8

Victim changed phone or email 210,910 10.7

Restraining/protection/stay away 

order 187,220 9.5

Victim got married or started new 

relationship 40,390 2.0

Perpetrator stopped behavior

Stalker moved 172,220 8.7%

Stalker was arrested or incarcerated 129,470 6.6

Stalker started a new relationship 80,580 4.1

Stalker got help/counseling 48,130 2.4

Stalker died 9,320 0.5*

Others intervened

Police warned stalker 309,080 15.6%

Friend or relative intervened 240,350 12.2

Others intervened 163,020 8.2

Employer intervened 105,490 5.3

School staff intervened 42,230 2.1

Other reason 501,730 25.4%

Don't know why stalking stopped 297,230 15.0%

Don't know whether stalking 

stopped 208,940 10.6%

Note: Table excludes 0.6% of stalking victims due to missing data. Details 

sum to more than 100% because multiple responses were permitted.

Appendix table 8. Time lost from work for any reason 

as a result of stalking victimization 

Number Percent of victims

Total 3,388,550 100%

Not working 708,070 20.9

Working 2,680,470 79.1

Reason for time lost from work

Fear or concern for safety 350,940 13.1%

Getting a restraining/protection 

order or testifying in court 320,450 12.0

Changing phone number/moving/

fixing damaged property 183,120 6.8

Note: Table excludes 1% of cases due to missing data. Details sum to 

more than 100% because multiple responses were permitted.

Appendix table 9. Amount of time victims lost 

from work for any reason as a result of stalking 

Number Percent of victims

Total 540,360 100%

Less than a day 76,060 14.1

1 day 51,920 9.6

2 days 57,540 10.6

3 days 42,830 7.9

4 days 24,900 4.6*

5-9 days 77,350 14.3

10-24 days 60,690 11.2

25 or more days 78,420 14.5

Don't know 70,650 13.1

Note: Table excludes 2.5% of stalking victims due to missing data. Total based on victims who had a job and lost 

time from work. Detail may not sum to 100% due to 

rounding.

*Estimate based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

Appendix table 11. Amount of employment income 

lost as a result of stalking victimization

Number Percent of victims

Total 296,450 100%

$1-99 44,340 15.0

$100-999 110,430 37.2

$1,000-2,499 40,620 13.7

$2,500-4,999 17,990 6.1

$5,000 or more 23,690 8.0

Don’t know 59,450 20.1

Note: Table excludes 3.3% of stalking victims due to missing data.

Appendix table 10. Out-of-pocket costs to victims 

as a result of stalking 

Number Percent of victims

Total 3,358,800 100%

$0 2,080,230 61.9

$1-99 193,060 5.7

$100-249 151,460 4.5

$250-499 90,420 2.7

$500-999 89,730 2.7

$1,000-2,499 155,010 4.6

$2,500-4,999 91,350 2.7

$5,000 or more 188,110 5.6

Don't know 319,430 9.5

Note: Table excludes 1.9% of stalking victims due to missing data. Detail may not sum to 100% due to rounding.
14 Stalking Victimization in the United States

Appendix table 12. Victim reasons for not reporting 

stalking to police

Percent of victims

Dealt with another way

Private or personal matter 26.7%

Reported to another official 13.6

Not important enough to report

Minor incident 27.2

Not clear a crime occurred 11.2

Police couldn't help

Couldn't identify offender/lacked evidence 9.5

Had no legal authority 3.0

Lacked correct protection, stay away, or 

restraining order 0.5*

Police wouldn't help

Police wouldn't think it was important/would 

be ineffective 11.0

Police wouldn't believe respondent/would 

blame respondent 4.0

Previous negative experience with police 1.5*

Perpetrator was a police officer 0.8*

Feared the perpetrator

Afraid of reprisal 5.9

Other reasons

Protect perpetrator/perpetrator was exspouse or ex-partner 6.9

Contacts/behavior stopped 5.9

For the sake of the children 3.8

Respondent felt ashamed/embarrassed 3.3

Respondent or perpetrator moved away 1.3*

Other 17.6

Don’t know 1.2*

Number of victims 2,055,080

Note: Table excludes 1.9% of stalking victims due to missing 

data. Details sum to more than 100% because multiple 

responses are permitted. 

*Based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

Appendix table 13. Number of police contacts 

regarding stalking during the last 12 months

Percent of victims

Total 100%

1 39.7

2 22.1

3 12.9

4

 5-10 11.9

11-15 3.7

More than 15 3.2

Number of victims 1,240,280

Note: Table excludes 9.2% of stalking victims 

due to missing data.

6.4

Appendix table 14. Identity of person reporting stalking 

to police

Percent of victims

Victim 83.0%

Victim's family 26.2

Friend/neighbor 11.5

Other 4.1

Employer/co-worker 2.3*

Social worker/counselor 1.4*

School official 1.4*

Security guard 1.2*

Clergy/pastor/priest 0.5*

Stranger/bystander 0.5*

Doctor/nurse 0.5*

Don't know 1.6*

Number of victims 1,350,130

Note: Table excludes 1.2% of stalking victims due to missing 

data. Details sum to more than 100% because multiple 

responses were permitted.

*Based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

Appendix table 15. Types of action taken by police after 

most recent contact about stalking

Percent of victims

Took a report 55.3%

Talked to/warned offender 32.2

Suggested protection, stay away or 

restraining order 20.1

Gave victim self-protection advice 17.4

Referred victim to court 8.9

Arrested offender 7.7

Asked for more evidence 6.4

Referred victim to victim services 5.4

Moved respondent to another location 1.3*

Don't know 4.1

Took no action 18.8

Number of victims 1,343,090

Note: Table excludes 1.7% of stalking victims due to missing data. 

Details sum to more than 100% because multiple responses were 

permitted.

*Based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

Appendix table 16. Stalking victims’ perceptions about why 

police did not take action

Percent of victims

Didn't want to get involved 28.6%

Had no legal authority 17.7

Police were inefficient/ineffective 16.2

Didn't believe victim 13.2*

Didn't have enough evidence 11.2*

Offender was a police officer 5.7*

Could not find/identify offender 4.0*

Lacked or had incorrect protection order 3.0*

Thought it was victim's fault 2.9*

Didn't find out until too late 2.8*

Other 36.3

Number of victims 240,030

Note: Table excludes 4.9% of stalking victims due to missing 

data. Details sum to more than 100% because multiple 

responses were permitted.

*Based on 10 or fewer sample cases.
Stalking Victimization in the United States 15

Appendix table 17. Victim perceptions of outcomes after 

first reporting stalking to police

Percent of victims

Total 100%

Situation got better 28.2

Situation got worse 22.9

Situation stayed the same 48.9

Number of victims 1,325,720

Note: Table excludes 3% of stalking victims due to missing 

data. 

Appendix table 18. Percent of stalkings in which criminal 

justice charges were filed and outcomes

Percent

Total 100%

Charges not filed 71.5

Charges filed 21.0

Still pending 33.3%**

Restraining, protection, stay away order 28.5

Jailed or imprisoned 18.0

Court intervention/counseling program 12.2*

Convicted or guilty 12.0*

Fine was imposed 11.8*

Dismissed or not guilty 9.1*

Probation 8.5*

Other 12.9*

Don't know outcome of charges filed 5.1*

Don't know if charges filed 7.5

Number of victims 1,329,790

Note: Table excludes 2.7% of stalking victims that did not respond to 

whether charges were filed and 9.4% of victims that did not respond 

to the outcome of charges filed. 

*Based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

**Details sum to more than 100% because multiple responses were 

permitted.

Appendix table 19. Stalking victim satisfaction with 

criminal justice outcome

Percent of victims

Total 100%

Victim satisfied with outcome 45.7

Victim not satisfied with outcome 49.0

Don't know if satisfied with outcome 5.2*

Number of victims 169,040

Note: Table excludes 13.5% of stalking victims that filed 

charges due to missing data. Detail may not sum to 100% 

due to rounding.

*Based on 10 or fewer sample cases.

Appendix table 20. Stalking victim perceptions about 

helpfulness of officials in the criminal justice system

Percent of victims who perceived 

official as—

Helpful Not helpful

Patrol/police officer/sheriff 43.0% 41.9%

911 dispatcher 3.6 2.8

Detective 5.3 3.0

Prosecutor/District Attorney 6.9 7.8

Judge 7.4 7.2

Victim advocate 5.7 2.0*

Someone else 8.9 8.0

No person was helpful 36.0 ~

No person was unhelpful ~ 40.3

Victim did not provide response 3.3 2.7*

Number of victims 1,359,060 1,359,060

Note: Details sum to more than 100% because multiple responses 

were permitted.

~Not applicable.

*Based on 10 or fewer sample cases.
U.S. Department of Justice

Office of Justice Programs

Bureau of Justice Statistics

Washington, DC 20531

Official Business

Penalty for Private Use $300

PRESORTED STANDARD

POSTAGE & FEES PAID

DOJ/BJS

Permit No. G-91

*NCJ~224527*

16 Stalking Victimization in the United States

The Bureau of Justice Statistics is the statistical agency 

of the U.S. Department of Justice. Michael D. Sinclair 

is deputy director. 

This report was written by Katrina Baum, Ph.D., 

Shannan Catalano, Ph.D., Michael Rand, and Kristina 

Rose. Cathy Maston, Patsy Klaus, Lara Allen, and 

Thomas Cohen provided statistical review. Tina Dorsey 

produced the report, Catherine Bird and Jill Duncan 

edited the report, and Jayne E. Robinson prepared the 

report for final printing.

January 2009, NCJ 224527

This report in portable document format and in 

ASCII and its related statistical data and tables are 

available at the BJS World Wide Web Internet site: 

<http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/svus.htm>.

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Innovation • Partnerships • Safer Neighborhoods

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov