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Reporting and Help-Seeking among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Victims of Stalking

Author

Listed:
  • Jessica C. Fleming

    (College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA)

  • Ashley K. Fansher

    (Department of Criminal Justice, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202-8050, USA)

  • Ryan Randa

    (College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA)

  • Bradford W. Reyns

    (Department of Criminal Justice, Weber State University, Ogden, UT 84408, USA)

Abstract

Given the disproportionately higher rates of stalking among sexual minority individuals, the present study aimed to explore factors that influence these victims’ help-seeking behaviors. Employing data from the United States’ 2019 National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) Supplemental Victimization Survey (SVS), this study explores various demographic and psychological factors impacting help-seeking among sexual minority and heterosexual victims. Results indicate that sexual minority individuals are significantly more likely to seek help than heterosexual victims of stalking. Further exploration through logistic regression, limited to the sexual minority group, shows significant associations between help-seeking and age, sex, and emotional distress from stalking, but not race. Indicating that younger respondents, female respondents, and those experiencing an emotional impact are more likely to seek help for stalking victimization among sexual minority victims. These findings emphasize the importance of sexual orientation in understanding help-seeking behaviors among stalking victims, suggesting a need for more tailored support services for the sexual minority community.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica C. Fleming & Ashley K. Fansher & Ryan Randa & Bradford W. Reyns, 2023. "Reporting and Help-Seeking among Sexual Minority and Heterosexual Victims of Stalking," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:12:y:2023:i:8:p:424-:d:1201991
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jordan, Carol E. & Wilcox, Pamela & Pritchard, Adam J., 2007. "Stalking acknowledgement and reporting among college women experiencing intrusive behaviors: Implications for the emergence of a "classic stalking case"," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 35(5), pages 556-569.
    2. Reyns, Bradford W. & Englebrecht, Christine M., 2010. "The stalking victim's decision to contact the police: A test of Gottfredson and Gottfredson's theory of criminal justice decision making," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 38(5), pages 998-1005, September.
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