Gender differences in stalking behaviour among juveniles

Abstract

There is emerging recognition that stalking is a problem behaviour among juveniles. As gender differences in the nature of stalking have been observed to exist in adult stalkers, it is important to ascertain whether gender differences are also apparent in juvenile perpetrators. This study compared the characteristics and motivations of stalking behaviour in an Australian sample of juvenile perpetrators (n = 299), assembled from an archival search of court applications for an intervention order. A majority of juvenile perpetrators were male (64%). The results indicated that there were no significant gender differences in the duration of stalking, the number of stalking methods used or the frequency of associated threats and physical violence. However, gender differences were apparent in the choice of victim, including the rates of same gender stalking and the motivations for stalking. Implications for the management of stalking behaviours in male and female juveniles are discussed.

Keywords:

• stalking
• harassment
• violence
• juveniles
• gender