| Summary: | Seven women who have experienced stalking, or criminal harassment were interviewed
about the nature of their experience. Specifically, each participant was asked how they were
impacted by the event and the ways that they managed the experience. Participants were also
asked to comment on their recommendations for future services. Constant comparative
method drawn from the grounded theory approach was used to guide the analysis process and
to develop themes related to the narratives. Six major themes emerged from the collective
discussions with the sample of female stalking survivors. These included: "Stalking as an
Ongoing, Abnormal Event;" "Fearing the Unknown;" "Needing to Be Supported and
Validated;" "Searching for Safety and Healing;" "Concern for Others;" and "Being Revictimized."
Findings indicated that although participants found innovative ways to manage
the negative impact of being stalked, additional support systems were needed. Participants
described a variety of different stalking experiences, including post-intimate stalking,
stranger stalking and acquaintance stalking. Commonalities related to the description of the
event and its impact, as well as the methods of coping with the experience. Suggestions for
improvement for future survivors of stalking are offered.
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