The Focal Concerns of Stalking Victims: Examining Victims’ Decisions to Engage Civil and Criminal Legal Systems

Few studies have explored the focal concerns theory as a framework for understanding crime victims’ decisions to adopt civil/criminal interventions. Using data from the 2019 National Crime Victimization Survey, the current study finds support for the theory, highlighting several factors influencing formal help-seeking decisions aligned with factors legal actors also consider in arrest and charging decisions. Indeed, stalking victims were more likely to apply for protection orders and/or contact the police after experiencing a repeated course of unwanted conduct (e.g., blameworthiness) by intimate partners (e.g., community protection) that caused victims to fear for themselves or others (e.g., community protection) and/or to access victim services (e.g., practical constraints). In addition, most victims believed they were targeted by stalkers who felt entitled, desired power and control, or felt rejected. The findings suggest implications for improving civil and criminal-legal responses to stalking complaints by outlining areas to probe during interviews for further corroboration.