Practical advice for professionals in responding to stalking

Not all stalking behaviour is motivated by or caused by the same thing.  A useful way to understand the different types of stalking behaviour is by using Mullen et al’s typology (Mullen, Pathe & Purcell 2009).  This proposes 5 types of stalking:

1. Rejected
2. Resentful
3. Incompetent suitor
4. Intimacy seeker
5. Predatory

For more information see: Types of Stalking | Stalking Risk Profile

Stalking is an offence which causes profound and life-changing psychological distress in its victims, so violence is not the only associated risk. However, there IS a heightened risk of violence occurring within a stalking episode.

Mackenzie et al. (2009) in their ‘Stalking Risk Profile, guidelines for the assessment and management of stalkers’ (see: https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/stalking-risk-profile ) identified the following 6 ‘red flag’ risk factors:

1. Suicidal ideation
2. Homicidal ideation
3. Last resort thinking / ‘end of tether’ language
4. High risk psychotic symptoms – this includes the psychotic belief that someone is threatening to cause the individual significant harm, or beliefs that make the person feel that their self-control has been removed (for example, hearing voices instructing them to harm someone).
5. Psychopathy
6. Victim fear (within the rejected group) – if the victim is reporting fear of serious harm or death.

If these factors are present, then there may be a high risk of imminent violence and additional assessment, or monitoring should be considered.

In addition, the following risk factors indicate heightened risk of violence and / or persistence of the stalking behaviour:

• Threats of violence – 50% of people engaging in rejected stalking act on these
• Approach behaviours; this indicates a heightened effort by the individual to make contact
• History of violent and / or stalking behaviour
• Mental health difficulties
• Problematic substance misuse
• Unavoidable contact e.g. location / shared children
• Unauthorised entry into victim’s home
• Increasing psychosocial damage to service user e.g. significant losses

(From 7- minute briefing – Stalking, Hoskyns & Underwood, HMPPS)

It can be anxiety provoking to work with people who have engaged with this behaviour, it’s normal to think about whether they pose a risk of stalking you, or to feel unsure how to help them to stop this behaviour.

The first thing to consider is why they stalked in the first place, just as you would when working with another offence-type.  What was the relationship with the victim? (e.g. ex-partner, professional in power, associate who the person was attracted to); What were the underlying risk factors? (sensitivity to rejection due to many broken attachments in childhood, feel disempowered and unheard, poor social functioning and loneliness); And what triggered the stalking (e.g. end of a relationship, feeling dissatisfied with complaints procedures, wanting a relationship, mental ill health).  All these factors can inform your risk assessment and guide what interventions may be helpful.

ENGAGING WITH A SERVICE-USER WHO HAS ENGAGED IN STALKING

• Set clear boundaries (behaviour, time/length of session, contact outside of sessions)
• Be mindful that obsessive behaviour may be entrenched & progress slow
• Be aware of power imbalance and avoid jargon
• Normalise talking about emotions & validate feelings of loss, without letting the individual consume the whole session talking about the victim
• Develop a trusting relationship in which they feel safe enough to tell you if they feel urge to contact victim

USEFUL INTERVENTIONS WITH A SERVICE-USER WHO HAS ENGAGED IN STALKING

Help them to build a life outside of stalking:

• Purposeful activities are key to providing structure, occupation, and social interaction (this counteracts obsession and rumination)
• Employment
• Hobbies
• Social support
• Be mindful that the activity/job does not bring them into contact with victim

Education on what constitutes stalking and legal consequences of breaches.

Emotional regulation work – How could they respond to their emotions in a way that does not involve contacting victim?

Address rumination: emphasise the costs of ruminating in terms of time and emotional investment. Ask how useful it is to continue to ruminate upon the victim, how is this adding to their life? For free mindfulness resources: https://oxfordmindfulness.org/events-and-resources

Offence chain analysis

Identify potential high-risk situations, e.g. when feel alone/depressed, birthdays, anniversaries, court dates

Develop a structured plan to avoid/cope with triggers for stalking.

Refer to external agencies for mental health/substance misuse/neurodiversity issues

The following guides provide more information: Working with individuals who have engaged in stalking | BPS

Working with people who have engaged in stalking can be exhausting and anxiety provoking

Use supervision to discuss any behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable

Don’t reveal anything about your personal life

Keep your social media private – google/facebook self, take steps based on how easy you are to find

Explain the boundaries of all contact with service user at the outset of involvement.

If they contact you outside of supervision session incessantly, this is offence paralleling behaviour.  Develop a communication contract – when/how contact is made & consequences for not adhering.

Pay close attention to the ending of the professional relationship to avoid triggering feelings of rejection/ abandonment & subsequent feelings of helplessness, depression, and anxiety.

If you think they are stalking you:

• Work with your organisation – inform your manager, formal letters from management requesting cessation of contact.
• Keep a diary of incidents (no matter how small or strange) that includes what happened, when, who else witnessed it and how it made you feel.
• Take screenshots of or record any digital evidence you may have.
• Trust your instinct.
• Don’t be hesitant to call police.

For tips on personal safety: https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Category/personal-safety-advice

The Multi-Agency Stalking Partnership (MASP) is a collaborative service involving Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Probation, and Stop Domestic Abuse (victim advocacy). It aims to address stalking by adults who live in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  The health team within MASP provides Psychologist led stalking intervention to people engaging in stalking. To find out more see: Stalking (Multi-Agency) Partnership :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare team within MASP work with people who have engaged in stalking.  Often this brings with it difficulties with obsessive thoughts about others that are hard to stop or difficulties moving on from a relationship or dispute.  We offer a range of interventions to help individuals find ways to cope, discover new ways to build a life of value, and ultimately to desist from further stalking.

All our interventions are delivered by a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare psychologist and available face to face or via videolink over 9 to 12 weekly sessions. FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE: MASP professionals :: Hampshire and Isle of Wight NHS Foundation Trust

You can watch a video here

You can watch a video here