Perception of stalking in a group of Italian women: the role of severity and knowledge

The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of stalking severity and knowledge in affecting individuals’ perceptions. Stalking was considered as an intentional pattern of repeated behaviours toward a person that is unwanted, and result in fear, or that a reasonable person would view as fearful or threatening. These results suggest that when stalking episodes are less severe, individuals are less likely to recognize them and ask for help, which creates a high risk situation for the victim. To increase the knowledge individuals have of stalking could be useful to improve victims’ quality of life and safety.