Forensic Psychology.

Forensic Psychology

What is Forensic Psychology? Is it like Silence of the Lambs?

What is Forensic Psychology?
The application of the science of psychology to criminal law

What do researchers in this field do?
They examine human behavior in relation to the legal system Determine sanity and competence Evaluate and examine criminals Help lawyers prepare for trial Help police catch criminals

History of Forensic Psychology
American psychologists at turn of 20th C. relatively disinterested in applying research topics to the law. Throughout early 1900’s the legal system resisted intrusion by psychologists into courtrooms.

1911 several psychologists testified in a Belgium court of behalf of a man accused of raping and murdering a little girl. This is the 1st case in which experimental psychological data (in this case, the validity of testimony of children) was allowed to be presented in a court case. 1913 1st use of a psychologist in a U.S. correctional setting recorded in New York at a women’s reformatory. Main job of psychologists at this time was to determine if a person was “feebleminded.”

Louis Terman 1st American to use mental tests as part of law enforcement screening tests. 1st case where an American Psychologist qualified as an expert was in 1921 in the case of State v. Driver. Although the evidence was later thrown out this gave psychologists a foothold. 1922, Karl Marbe 1st psychologist to testify in a civil trail. He offered testimony on the psychological issue of reaction time in a train accident case. In the case the train’s engineer was accused of drinking alcohol prior to the accident.

Even More History 1940, People v. Hawthorne, set the U.S. precedent for psychologist testifying as an expert witness on competence and criminal responsibility. This case overruled an earlier lower courts decision to disallow a psychologist testimony. Canada’s 1st Correctional Psychologist hired in 1955 at St. Vincent de Paul Penitentiary. Hans Toch, the 1st psychologist to edit a book on psychological criminology called: Legal and Criminal Psychology in This is considered the 1st book about psychology and the law written by a psychologist.

Forensic Psychology Application of methods, theories & concepts of psychology within the legal system. Looks at impact of police officer, victim, juror, expert witness, lawyer, judge, defendant, prison guard &/or parole officer on the legal system.

What Forensic Psychology is NOT.
Forensic Scientist Analyze, compare, identify & interpret physical evidence Identify evidence & link it to the suspect, victim & crime scene Forensic Psychiatrist Apply Psychiatry to the Law Expert witnesses in court Application of medical treatment in forensic settings

Who Employs Forensic Psychologists?
Federal, state & local government & facilities: i.e. prisons, jails, police departments, corrections facilities, probation and parole, military, etc. Treatment facilities: i.e. drug/chemical rehabilitation, short/long term residential facilities, counseling centers, mental hospitals, etc. Courts, attorneys and legal advocacy groups Self employed, private practice & consultants Teaching: colleges/universities w/ courses in psychology &/or criminal justice

Subfields of Forensic Psychology
Clinical-Forensic Psychology Very similar to clinical psychology. Clients here are not only suffering from some type of mental problem, but their issues are of importance to legal decision making as well. Developmental Psychology Deals w/ juveniles, the elderly, and the law. Focus on policy making rather than treatment of those with mental problems. Social Psychology Concerned with how jurors interact and arrive at a group decision. Cognitive Psychology Closely associated w/social psychology subfield, but looks more into how people make decisions in legal cases. Criminal Investigative Psychology Police psychology, criminal profiling and psychological autopsies. Experts may choose to conduct research and/or work closely in analyzing the minds of criminal suspects

Clinical Forensic Psychology
Jury Selection Consultation with Lawyers Expert Witness Competency Assessment Insanity Assessment Lethality Assessment Custody Assessment Researcher Law Enforcement Screening

Forensic Psychologists in the Court
Psychologists and Psychiatrists testify in an estimated 8% of all federal civil trials Mental health professionals participate in as many as a 1,000,000 cases per year.

Consulting with Lawyers
Witness Preparation Help witness present testimony better without changing the facts Manner of presentation, associated emotions, preparation for being a witness in a courtroom, etc Convincing the Jury Help attorneys in way they present cases and evidence to jurors Help establish presentation of opening and closing statements

Jury Selection Lawyers hire psychologists as jury selection consultants Psychologist use empirically-based procedures to select jurors Focus groups Shadow juries Systematic rating of prospective jurors Surveys of community to detect bias

Expert Witness Must help the court understand and evaluate evidence or determine a fact at issue Experts can by asked to testify by the court or by counsel of either defendant or plaintiff Judge decides if an expert witness can claim expert status

Areas Psychologists Testify as an Expert Witness
Commitment to mental hospitals Child custody issues Offender Treatment Programs Release from involuntary confinement Jury Selection Criminal Profiling Advice to attorneys regarding factors that will affect jurors’ behaviors Predicting dangerousness Rights of a mentally disabled person in an institution Competency to stand trial Criminal Responsibility (Insanity Defense) Battered Women

Courts & Forensic Psychology
Family Court Civil Court Criminal Court

Family Court Child Custody Evaluations Visitation Risk Assessments
Grandparent Visitation Evaluations Mediation of Parental Conflicts about Children Child Abuse Evaluations Adoption Readiness Evaluations Development of Family Reunification Plans Evaluations to Assess Termination of Parental Rights

Civil Court Personal Injury Evaluations IME Second Opinion Evaluations
Assessment of Emotional Factors in Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Worker's Compensation Evaluations Civil Competency Evaluations Psychological Autopsies

Criminal Court Evaluations of Juveniles accused of criminal acts
Juvenile Pre-sentencing Evaluations Juvenile Probation Evaluations Juvenile Waiver Evaluations Evaluating the Credibility of Child Witnesses Assessment of Juvenile and Adult Sexual Offenders Competency and Diminished Capacity Evaluations Adult Pre-sentencing Evaluations.

Well, Not So Much: What isn’t forensic psych?
When most people think of forensic psychology, they think of profilers Most forensic psychologists are not involved in solving crimes (few are) They are involved in assessing people already arrested, checking for competence and insanity

Forensic Psychology Also known as criminal psychology
© 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Forensic Psychiatry …crime prevention and solution, criminal rehabilitation, and issues of the criminal law

Psychological Theories
The individual is the primary unit of analysis © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Personality is the major motivational element within individuals It is the seat of drives and the source of motives

Crimes result from abnormal, dysfunctional, or inappropriate mental processes within the personality

Perception and Reality
Perception: the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses Reality: the world or the state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them

But What Is Reality?

I’m Going Crazy!

Early Psychological Theories
Behavioral conditioning Personality disturbances and diseases of the mind © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

The Psychopath (Sociopath)
Does not feel empathy with others Is unable to imagine how others think and feel © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

The Psychopath (Sociopath)
Is able to inflict pain and engage in cruelty without empathy for the victim © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Antisocial Personality
Is basically unsocialized Exhibits behavior that brings him or her into conflict with society © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Antisocial Personality
Is incapable of significant loyalty to individuals, groups, or social values © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Personality Types • Psychotics • Extroverts • Neurotics • Introverts

Psychoanalysis The Id The Ego The Superego

The Psychotic Offender
Is out of touch with reality in some fundamental way © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Crime as Adaptive Behavior
Crime is a compromise, representing for the individual the most satisfactory method of adjustment… © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Crime as Adaptive Behavior
…to inner conflicts which he or she cannot express otherwise © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Modeling Theory People learn how to act by observing others

Attachment Theory Delinquent behavior arises whenever
non- secure attachments are created © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Self-Control Theory Low self-control
is the premier individual-level cause of crime © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Insanity and the Law M’Naughten Rule Irresistible Impulse Test
Durham Rule Substantial Capacity Test © 2004 Pearson Education, Inc.

Insanity and the Law Brawner Rule Guilty but mentally ill (GBMI)

Insanity vs. Competence
Competence refers exclusively to the defendants mental abilities at the time of the proceeding. Relates to the defendants mental state at the time the offense occurs.

Insanity Defense An insanity defense is based on the theory that most people can choose to follow the law; But a few select persons cannot be held accountable because mental disease or disability deprives them of the ability to make a rational/voluntary choice

What is Insanity? Mental illness of such a severe nature that a person… cannot distinguish fantasy from reality, cannot conduct her/his affairs due to psychosis, or is subject to uncontrollable impulsive behavior.

Legal Standards of Insanity
McNaughton Rule States that, in order to establish insanity, it must be proven that at the time of a crime, the accused had a mental defect (i.e. such as a mental disease) so that she/he did/could not know the nature or quality of their crime at the time of offense--or if the accused did not know that what she/he did was wrong. The Durham Rule States that the accused is not criminally responsible if her/his unlawful conduct is or was the product of mental disease or defect.

The Original test The insanity defense traces its roots back to the 1843 when Englishman Daniel McNaughton shot and killed the secretary of the British Prime Minister, believing that the Prime Minister was conspiring against him. The court acquitted McNaughton "by reason of insanity," and He was placed in a mental institution for the rest of his life. However, the case caused a public uproar, and Queen Victoria ordered the court to develop a stricter test for insanity.

The McNaughton Test also called the "right-wrong test"
a person was not criminally responsible if at the time of the crime, he did not know the nature of the act or that it was wrong.

The Jury was required to answer two questions:
Did the defendant know what he was doing when he committed the crime? Did the defendant understand that his actions were wrong? This test allowed a prosecutor to prove sanity easily by simply showing a defendant understood the moral consequences of an action; mental illness did not matter.

AMERICAN LAW INSTITUTE (ALI) TEST
Under the ALI test the defendant must prove by a pre-ponderance of the evidence of the time of the crime because of a mental disorder, he lacked substantial capacity either to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of law This test is more favorable to defendants because it excuses a defendant of whether his cognitive or volitional capacity was substantially impaired; it doesn’t require complete impairment.

Famous Cases John Hinckley
Shot President Ronald Reagan, in front of television cameras -- but declared “not guilty by reason of insanity” and sent to a mental institution.

Hinckley Developed an obsession of Jodi Foster, who played a child prostitute in the movie Taxi Driver Followed her to Yale University and stalked her for a short time, slipping poems and messages under her door and repeatedly contacting her by telephone.

Hinckley Failed to develop meaningful contact with Foster.
Developed such plots as hijacking an airplane and committing suicide in front of her to gain her attention. Settled on a scheme to win her over by assassinating the president (just like the main character in Taxi Driver).

Hinckley Followed Jimmy Carter for a while until arrested in Nashville for firearms charges. He returned home once again. Despite psychiatric treatment for depression, his mental health did not improve.

Hinckley As of 1981 started to target newly-elected president, Ronald Reagan Started viewing Lee Harvey Oswald (Kennedy assassin) as hero

Hinckley Just prior to Hinckley's failed attempt on Reagan's life, he wrote to Foster "Over the past seven months I've left you dozens of poems, letters and love messages in the faint hope that you could develop an interest in me. Although we talked on the phone a couple of times I never had the nerve to simply approach you and introduce myself. [...] the reason I'm going ahead with this attempt now is because I cannot wait any longer to impress you."

Hinckley On March 30, 1981, Hinckley fired a .22 caliber Röhm RG-14 revolver six times at President Reagan, as he left the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. after addressing an AFL-CIO conference. Wounded press secretary James Brady, police officer Thomas Delahanty and Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy. Bullet ricochet off the side of the limousine and hit President Reagan in the chest. All victims survived, but Brady -- hit in the right side of the head -- endured a long recuperation period and remained paralyzed on the left side of his body.

Hinckley At the trial in 1982, charged with 13 offenses
Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity on June 21. The defense psychiatric reports found him to be insane while the prosecution reports declared him legally sane. Hinckley was confined at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, D.C.

Hinckley The verdict led to widespread dismay
The U.S. Congressand a number of states rewrote the law regarding the insanity defense. Idaho, Kansas, Montana, and Utah have abolished the defense altogether. Shortly after his trial, Hinckley wrote that the shooting was "the greatest love offering in the history of the world", and was upset that Foster did not reciprocate his love To this day still resides in St. Elizabeth's Hospital with limited freedoms.

Famous Cases Lorena Bobbitt argued she was temporarily insane when she severed her husband's penis with a kitchen knife A Virginia jury agreed; she was released after three months of psychiatric evaluation.

Bobbitt After being raped by her husband Lorena went into the kitchen where she noticed a carving knife on the counter. "memories of past domestic abuses raced through her head." Lorena Bobbitt entered the bedroom where John was asleep; and she proceeded to cut off more than half of his penis.

Bobbitt She then left the apartment
After driving a short while, she rolled down the car window and threw the severed body part into a field. Realizing the severity of the incident, she stopped and called 911.

Bobbitt Lorena was taken into custody
Lorena stated that John sexually, physically, and emotionally abused her during their marriage Lorena's defense attorneys maintained that John's constant abuse caused Lorena to eventually "snap" She was suffering from clinical depression and a possible bout of post traumatic stress disorder due to the abuse.

Bobbitt A court-appointed forensic psychologist, Dr. Henry Gwaltney of Petersburg, Va, stated that she had been clinically depressed, frightened and emotionally overwrought when she maimed her husband. But he reiterated the finding of a report, in which he was joined by two other state-appointed psychologists, that Mrs. Bobbitt's act was "a goal-directed, angry attempt at retaliation."

Bobbitt After seven hours of deliberation, the jury found Lorena "not guilty" due to insanity causing an irresistible impulse to sexually wound her husband. As a result, she could not be held liable for her actions

How can we tell if someone is competent?

Competency The mental state of the defendant at the time of trial
Criminal proceedings should not continue against someone who cannot understand their nature and purpose. This rule applies at every stage of the Criminal Justice process, but is most often applied at pretrial hearings concerned with two topics: Competence to plead guilty Competence to stand trial

Guilty, but too stupid to know any better

Guilty, but too crazy to know any better

Psychopaths and Sociopaths
These terms define different pathologies of the mind, although they share the following: A disregard for laws and social mores A disregard for the rights of others A failure to feel remorse or guilt A tendency to display violent behavior

Sociopath Sociopaths tend to be nervous and easily agitated. Volatile and prone to emotional outbursts, including fits of rage. Likely to be uneducated and live on the fringes of society, unable to hold down a steady job or stay in one place for very long. It is difficult but not impossible for sociopaths to form attachments with others. In the eyes of others, sociopaths will appear to be very disturbed. Any crimes committed by a sociopath, including murder, will tend to be haphazard, disorganized and spontaneous rather than planned.

Psychopath Psychopaths, on the other hand, are unable to form emotional attachments or feel real empathy with others, although they often have disarming or even charming personalities. Psychopaths are very manipulative and can easily gain people’s trust. They learn to mimic emotions, despite their inability to actually feel them, and will appear normal to unsuspecting people. Psychopaths are often well educated and hold steady jobs. Some are so good at manipulation and mimicry that they have families and other long-term relationships without those around them ever suspecting their true nature.

Competence to plead guilty vs. Competence to stand trial
Waive rights to: Jury trial, to confront accusers, to call favorable witnesses, and right to remain silent. The Supreme Court has held that a waiver of such important rights must be intelligent, knowing, and voluntary. Trial judges are required to question defendants to make sure they clearly understand they are waiving their constitutional rights by pleading guilty. Defendant must understand the consequences. “Sufficient present ability to consult with one’s attorney with a reasonable degree of rational understanding and, a rational, as well as functional understanding of the proceedings against him or her” Defendant must understand the nature of the proceedings. Guilty

Competency Assessment Instrument (CAI)
Instrument used for assessing competence defendants with suggestive findings on the CST. Structured interview lasting ~ one hour, that covers 13 functions relevant to competent functioning at trial. Defendant is rated on each function with a score from 1 (total incapacity) to 5 (no incapacity) There has been no specific cutoff decided, but a substantial number of scores of 3 or less is cause for concern. Has adequate interrater agreements on the separate functions and a 90% agreement with separate decisions about competence rendered after a lengthy hospital evaluation.

13 functions of the CAI Appraisal of available legal defenses
Unmanageable behavior Quality of relating to attorney Planning of legal strategy; including guilty pleas to lesser charges where pertinent. Appraisal of role of: Defense counsel Prosecuting attorney Judge Jury Defendant Witnesses Understanding of court procedure Appreciation of charges Appreciation of range and nature of possible penalties Appraisal of likely outcome Capacity to disclose to attorney available pertinent facts surrounding the offense, including the defendant’s movements, timing, mental state, and actions at the time of the offense Capacity to realistically challenge prosecution witnesses Capacity to testify relevantly Self-defeating vs. self-serving motivation

Interdisciplinary Fitness Interview (IFI)
Semi-structured interview that evaluates a defendant’s abilities in specific legal areas (five items). It also assesses 11 categories of psychopathological symptoms. Each area is rated from 0 to 2 in terms of the degree of capacity the defendant demonstrates. Evaluators also rate each item on the weight they attached to it in reaching their decision about competence. (vary depending on the case) Interviewers using the IFI agreed on judgments of competence in 75 of 77 cases evaluated.

Competency Screening Test (CST)
22 item sentence completion task designed as an initial screening test for incompetence (Lipsitt, Lelos, & McGarry, 1971) This is useful because it can quickly identify those who are competent, and save time and expense. The defendant answers each of the 22 sentence stems, and each response is then scored as 2 (a competent answer), 1 (a questionably competent answer), or 0 (and incompetent answer) Scores can range from 0 to 66; generally, a score of 20 or less suggests possible IST. (incompetent to stand trial)

Weaknesses of the CST The scoring of the CST reflects a naively positive view of the legal process. Produces a lot of false positives. Takes extensive training and experience with the instrument.

Research and Forensic Psychology
Jurors Personality Traits Authoritarianism Locus of Control Just World Belief Demographics Gender Socioeconomic Status Eye Witnesses Weapon Focus Effect Extreme Stress Unconscious Transference Overestimating/ Underestimating

Forensic Psychologists in Police Departments
Survey of Police Psychologists: 37% time spent counseling police officers & families 32% time spent screening/selecting police personnel 31% time on training or organizational development (Bartol, 1994)

How Do Psychologist Evaluate Police Candidates?
Personal Interviews Law Enforcement Candidate Interview Observations of Candidates Performing in Special Situations Clue Test Psychological Tests Personality, etc.

What About Forensic Psychologists in Corrections?
Work closely with inmates, probationers, and parolees Administer psychological assessments, interpret results, and prepare comprehensive results MMPI, Suicide, Lethality, Cognitive Assessments Develop, organize, and administer individual and group therapy Alcohol and Other Drugs, Sex Offender Treatment, Anger Management, Domestic Violence Counseling and Cognitive Intervention Counseling

When Are Inmates Psychologically Assessed?
When the offender enters the correctional system When decisions are made concerning the offender’s exit into the community During times of psychological crisis In death penalty cases where competency to be executed is considered

If I continue on in Forensic Psychology, what can I expect to do?
OPTIONS WITH A BACHELOR'S DEGREE Residential youth counselor, case worker, probation/parole officer. OPTIONS WITH A MASTER'S DEGREE Those w) M.A. (focused on clinical psychology) usually work in institutions, where a Ph.D. will supervise them. Correctional facilities are a primary place for employing master's level forensic psychologists rather than doctoral level psychologists because they can be paid a lower income. Also, in research settings--for the government, &/or non-profit org. May also become involved in policy making. OPTIONS WITH A DOCTORAL DEGREE With a doctorate, one can go into independent practice. Private practice areas might include counseling offenders, being an expert witness for hire, conducting assessment, conducting psychotherapy, and consulting on civil and criminal issues. Ph.D.'s can also work in colleges and universities. Along with this, they can now supervise those who only have their master's degree.

Pros and Cons of a career in Forensic Psychology
Helping Others Forensic psychology can be very rewarding when you make a difference in someone's life. Opportunities There are many different subspecialties within the field. Changing Environment When working in prisons and with juvenile offenders, every day can be different. Recognition Those who act as expert witnesses are usually well known. Personal Fulfillment When conducting research, psychologists' findings are often beneficial to society. Risk of Injury -The people that forensic psychologists work with in prison settings are sometimes very violent. Continuing Education-Continuing Education Attending seminars and conferences throughout one's professional life is important for keeping current in the field. Also, it is not easy to get a job directly out of the doctoral program without additional training. Teamwork - Teamwork Some people would rather work independently. In this field, people are constantly working with the courts, police, and a variety of other professionals. Pay - Pay The pay range for someone in this field does not always compensate for the hard work and long hours. Burnout Risk Forensic psychology can be a very stressful job. Often, people and situations cannot be changed easily.

How does the future look?
Forensic Psychology is growing for several reasons. There are a lot of topics on which mental-health professionals claim expertise. (It is important to attorney’s to be able to use their information) The law permits and encourages expert testimony in a variety of areas. Expert testimony by forensic psychologists is a lucrative business. It pays between $100 - $400 per hour. Prisons are growing

Things are looking good
Forensic psychology has experienced steady growth in the past two decades. It is predicted that research work, consultation, and clinical practice in psychology and the law will continue to grow over the next ten years. The highest demand is predicted to be working with the courts, attorneys, and lawmakers. Jobs will also continue to grow in colleges and universities where most of the research is conducted. Laws are constantly changing, which can be good news for a forensic psychologist. Exploring different ways of dealing with juvenile offenders is also becoming a popular subject; decisions related to dealing with these offenders often require the expert advise of a forensic psychologist. Those who hold doctorate degrees will have many more career opportunities than those with only a master's degree. It is almost impossible to specialize in this field with only a bachelors degree.

Forensic Psychology

Types of Murderers Mass Murderer Spree Murderer Serial Killer

Types of Murderers Mass Murderer – kill 4 or more people in one place at one time. Have clear agenda – know why No “cooling-off” period May want to send a “message.” Higher the death toll – better the job done Typically ends with death of perpetrator – suicide or killed by law enforcement

Some Famous Mass Murderers
August 1, 1966 – Charles Whitman Killed 14 people and injured dozens in shooting from the top of a tower on the campus of the University of Texas. Entire episode lasted 90 minutes. July 20, 2012 – James Eagan Holmes Killed 12 and injured 58 in Aurora, Colorado during a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises. Entire episode lasted 7 minutes.

Some Famous Mass Murderers
April 20, 1999 Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold murder 13 and injure 21 in a high school in Columbine, Colorado. Entire episode lasted an estimated 90 minutes September 15, 1963 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama was bombed by 4 KKK members killing 4 children and injuring 22.

Spree Murderers A spree killer is much like a serial killer. 1957-1958
CHARACTERISTICS Kills more than one person at two or more locations. Happens quickly – with no cooling off period. Killer is constantly moving…hiding, running, planning. Often end with suicide. Charles Starkweather and Caril Fugate. Murdered 11 people in 6 weeks – Nebraska Starkweather …got the chair Fugate.. Paroled in 1977 1997 Andrew Cunanan Killed 5 men in 4 states (Mn, Il. NJ, Fl) Time: 3 months Committed suicide

The Serial Killer Kill three or more people over a period of more than a month Cooling off time in between….may be as long as 3 months Uses the time to unwind…come down off the “killing high” Motivation for killing is usually based on psychological gratification Rarely display a clearly define or rational motive Jeffrey Dahmer “Milwaukee Cannibal”, Ted Bundy “

Serial Murderer - Types
Visionary – “sees things”; psychopathic, directed by “another being” Missionary – need to eradicate a certain group, not psychotic. Hedonistic – seeks thrill and derives pleasure from killing. Power/Control – sexual gratification from dominance of victim…power of life and death.

What is a serial killer? What characteristics come to mind?

Misconception #1 Serial killers are the same as mass murderers
Serial killers kill several people over a series of days, weeks, months, or even years. Active period and cooling off period Mass murderers kill a number of people within a few hours Murder in an outburst with no cooling off period Ex – Columbine shootings

Misconception #2 Serial killers are complete losers who cannot function normally in society. It’s more common for serial killers to live normal lives – this is part of the reason why they are successful in their killings Ex: Ted Bundy – considered very charming

Common Characteristics of Serial Killers
White male Age 25-35 Intelligence – ranges from low to very high From all walks of life May be the married man next door with kids OR Socially inept/unable to maintain relationship/ loner Kill for sex, power, manipulation, domination and control

Common Characteristics of Victims
Usually kill within ethnic group Age of victims varies greatly (depending on murder) Usually no prior contact/hatred for victim Victims may be symbolic in some way

Socially Difficult to Accept
Psychopaths/sociopaths Self-centered (egocentric and narcissistic) Manipulative Emotionally shallow Devoid of empathy/remorse

Fantasy All humans fantasize about their dreams and futures – usually very detailed Serial killers have detailed fantasies Specific victims Repetitive Reveals modus operandi (MO – method of operation)/ signature Helps Forensic psychiatrists develop profiles of the killers

Trophies or Souvenirs Criminals Serial killers
Money, jewels, electronics Incriminating evidence (weapon) Serial killers Take objects with no monetary value Holds value to perpetrator Use it to relive crime later Ex: jewelry, clothing, drivers license, even body parts

Childhood Many come from physical, psychological, and sexual abuse
Insulate self by creating protective world rich in fantasy Fantasy includes sexual and violent characteristics Themes commingle until they are inseparable Offenders seek victims that fulfill their fantasy Ex: Ted Bundy – women with dark hair parted in middle

Love Conquers All: The Women Who Marry Convicted Serial Killers
Dr. Mike Aamodt, Radford University,

Why Marry a Convicted Killer? The Attraction
Notoriety Celebrity status Being associated with the worst of the worst Being considered a rebel Attraction to the “bad boy” Need to nurture and save Need for control Intimate relationships Cons can show great sensitivity Lack of sex places focus on feelings and conversation Sacrifice makes the relationship more important Absence makes the heart grow fonder

Randall Woodfield Crime Dates Spouse Prison Policy I-5 Killer
Killed 18, raped 60 Dates Convicted June 26, 1981 Married April 25, 2001 Spouse Previous marriage in prison that ended in divorce after 6 months Jennifer Lyn Coria in 2001 Prison Policy Weddings held twice a year Vows exchanged in warden’s office Got to honeymoon in the “conjugal trailer”

Angel Maturino Resendiz
Crime Railroad Killer Killed 9 people Dates Convicted in May, 2000 Sentenced to death Engaged in 2001 Spouse Nancy Resendiz (age 50) Bachelor’s degree Prison Policy Resendiz is already married so it does not recognize marriage

Ilich Ramirez Sanchez Crime Dates Spouse Wedding Carlos the Jackal
Killed 83 people Dates Convicted in Sentenced to life in France Engaged in 2001 Spouse Isabelle Coutant-Peyre Lawyer Wedding Both are currently married and waiting for their respective divorces

Ted Bundy Crime Dates Spouse Wedding Killed over 30 people
Convicted Sentenced to death Married on February 9, 1980 Executed 1/24/89 Spouse Carole Ann Boone (age 50) Former friend Wedding Exchanged “vows of intention” in the courtroom with a notary public present Gave birth to Bundy’s daughter in 10/82 By 1986 out of Bundy’s life

Henry Louis Wallace Crime Dates Spouse Wedding Killed 13 people
Convicted on 1/29/97 Sentenced to death Married on June 5, 1998 Spouse Rebecca Torrijas Former prison nurse 23 years older than Wallace Wedding Married next to the execution chamber

Richard Ramirez Crime Dates Spouse Prison Policy Night Stalker
Killed 13 people Dates Convicted September 20, 1989 Sentenced to life Married in 1996 Spouse Doreen Lioy Free-lance magazine editor B.A. in English Literature IQ of 152 Claims to be a virgin "He's kind, he's funny, he's charming. I think he's really a great person. He's my best friend; he's my buddy." Prison Policy

Angelo Buono Crime Dates Spouse Hillside Strangler Killed 7 people
Convicted in 1983 Sentenced to life Married in 1986 Died in prison 9/21/2002 Spouse Christine Kizuka Mother of 3 Supervisor for the Employment Development Department for the State of California

Arthur Shawcross Crime Dates Spouse Wedding Genesee River Killer
Killed 13 people Dates Convicted in 1991 Sentenced to 250 years Married in 7/10/97 Spouse Clara D. Neal Former girlfriend Wedding Visiting room of the prison Clara: “It was nice and all. It took 10 years to make the grade but I finally did it.”

Lemuel Warren Smith Crime Dates Spouse Wedding
Killed at least 3 people in New York Dates Convicted in Sentenced to death, later changed to life Married in 1983 Spouse Dawn Pepita Hall Simmons (46) Famous writer (biographer of famous women) who earlier in life had changed sex from a male to a female Wedding

Kenneth Bianchi Crime Dates Spouse Wedding
One of the Hillside Stranglers Killed 7 people in California & Washington Dates Convicted November, 1983 Sentenced to life Married September 21, 1989 Spouse Shirlee Book (36) Very unattractive Wanted Bundy, settled for Bianchi Wedding

Tex Watson Crime Dates Spouse Wedding Part of the Manson Family
Convicted in 1969 Sentenced to life Married September 7, 1989 Spouse Kristin Joan Svege (20) Read that his previous relationship ended and then wrote him letters Wedding She wore an ankle-length white gown, matching white shoes, and carried a flower bouquet and Bible

James Earl Ray Crime Dates Spouse Wedding
Not a serial killer, but shot Marin Luther King Dates Convicted in 1969 Sentenced to 99 years Married October 13, 1978 Spouse Anna Sandhu (32, he was 50) Was an artist for a TV station doing a documentary on him She proposed to him Wedding She wore an off-white pleated skirt with matching crocheted blouse Marriage lasted 12 years, he filed for divorce

John Wayne Gacy Crime Dates Fiancée Killed over 30 boys
Convicted March, 1980 Sentenced to life Fiancée Sue Terry (43 in 1988) Mother of 8 Wrote to him after seeing him in the paper Relationship lasted a year until she was finally convinced of his guilt

Serial Killer His Age Her Age Spouse Art Shawcross 52 66 Clara Neal
Maturino Resendiz 43 50 Nancy Resendiz Richard Ramirez 36 41 Doreen Lioy Angelo Buono 51 Christine Kizuka Henry Louis Wallace 33 56 Rebecca Torrijas Randall Woodfield Jennifer Lyn Coria Ted Bundy 34 Carole Ann Boone Tex Watson 20 Kristin Joan Svege Kenneth Bianchi Shirlee Book

How Do They Meet? Personal ads Pen pals Professional Services
Lawyers Psychologists Prison guards Visiting other inmates Prison volunteers During the trial Jurors Groupies Bundy had an affair with Diana Weiner, one of his attorneys Jurors Elizabeth Bauch rell in love with preppie murderer Robert Chambers in 1988. Sandra Wix fell in love with Steven Erickson

Lovely Couple How They Met Angelo Buono & Christine Kizuka
Introduced by first husband whose cell was next to Buono’s Carlos the Jackal & Isabelle Coutant-Peyre She was his attorney Ted Bundy & Carole Boone She was a former friend Henry Wallace & Rebecca Torrijas Art Shawcross & Clara Neal She was a former girlfriend Randy Woodfield & Jennifer Lyn Coria She began visiting the prison Kenneth Bianchi & Shirlee Book She saw him on TV and wrote to him Tex Watson & Kristin Svege She read about him in the paper Richard Ramirez & Doreen Lioy She sent him a birthday card after seeing him on TV. He asked her to visit

Lovely Couple Where They Got Married Angelo Buono & Christine Kizuka Angel & Nancy Resendiz Visitation room Ted Bundy & Carole Boone Courtroom during trial Henry Wallace & Rebecca Torrijas Next to the execution chamber Art Shawcross & Clara Neal Visiting room Randy Woodfield & Jennifer Lyn Coria Warden’s office Richard Ramirez & Doreen Lioy

Lovely Couple What They Wore Angelo Buono & Christine Kizuka
Tex Watson & Kristin Joan Svege She war an ankle-length white gown, matching white shoes, and carried a flower bouquet and a Bible Henry Wallace & Rebecca Torrijas She wore a pale green dress covered with pink flowers and a pearl necklace. Henry wore red prison jumpsuit and black tennis shoes Art Shawcross & Clara Neal Kenneth Bianchi & Shirlee Book She wore a floor-length white satin gown, a veil, and white gloves Richard Ramirez & Doreen Lioy Doreen wore a white wedding dress with chiffon sleeves. Richard wore a blue prison outfit with no restraints.

Lovely Couple The Wedding Party Angelo Buono & Christine Kizuka
Angel & Nancy Resendiz Ted Bundy & Carole Boone Henry Wallace & Rebecca Torrijas Wallace’s attorney, the manager of the death row unit, and a public defender served as witnesses Art Shawcross & Clara Neal Randy Woodfield & Jennifer Lyn Coria Richard Ramirez & Doreen Lioy Ramirez’s brother, sister, niece, his biographer, and 2 attorneys. No one from her family attended, but 60 inmates did.

Can they consummate the marriage?
Lovely Couple Can they consummate the marriage? Angelo Buono & Christine Kizuka No, because he was not eligible for parole Tex Watson & Kristin Svege Yes, spent honeymoon in the conjugal trailer. They have 3 children. Ted Bundy & Carole Boone Not allowed to, but they did and Bundy fathered a daughter Henry Wallace & Rebecca Torrijas No Art Shawcross & Clara Neal Yes Randy Woodfield & Jennifer Lyn Coria Yes. They got to honeymoon in the “conjugal trailer” Kenneth Bianchi and Shirlee Book No, they were denied permission to use the conjugal trailer Richard Ramirez & Doreen Lioy No, and she was a virgin when she was married

States Allowing Conjugal Visits
California Connecticut Mississippi New Mexico New York Washington

it would have to have been because I loved her very much, right?"
Stalking "Even if I did do this, it would have to have been because I loved her very much, right?" - OJ Simpson

Is stalking socially acceptable?
Eight million American women -- or one in 12 – will be a victim of stalking at some point in their lives. -Kristin Ohlson

"The Lloyd Dobler Effect".
Emily, like me, is an a crazy fan of John's, specifically of his Lloyd Dobler role in Say Anything Well Is It?

What is Stalking ? a set of "behaviors that last more than two weeks and involves repeated and persistent attempts to impose on another person unwanted contacts and/or communications which induce fear or distress." -Paul Mullen, M.D. “He always told me he would make me sorry,” “I never dreamed he would do it by killing our child.”

Who is doing the Stalking ?
____% of the stalkers were male ____% of the stalkers were ex partners of the victims ____% had some form of relationship with the victim Who is stalked the most?? ex-partners professional relationship, fellow employees, customers casual acquaintances the stalkers who assaulted were most likely to be ____? -(Mullen, Pathe, Purcell, Stuart, 1999: 1244)

Who is doing the Stalking ?
79% of the stalkers were male 30% of the stalkers were ex partners of the victims 86% had some form of relationship with the victim, including ex-partners (36%), professional relationship (23%) fellow employees or customers (11%) casual acquaintances (19%) 36% (52) of the stalkers attacked their victims, 14 involved sexual assault the stalkers who assaulted were most likely to be rejected ex partners. ’ (Mullen, Pathe, Purcell, Stuart, 1999: 1244)

According to a 1998 study by the Department of Justice.
2% of men will be stalked in their lifetime Men ages of 18 and 35 (8%) aged 36 to 55 (4%) aged 56 and older (3%), Professor of forensic psychiatry at Monash University in Victoria, Australia. 8% of women will be stalked in their lifetime Women aged 18 to 35 (11%) aged 36 to 55 (8 %) 56 or older (4%) -Paul Mullen, M.D., at APA’s 2001

Questions: In what ways can stalkers communicate with their victims?
“I have to eliminate what I cannot obtain.” Bardo,in a letter to his sister Later he killed Rebecca Schaeffer

Answers In what ways can stalkers communicate with their victims?
telephone, , fax, letters, notes, gifts Attempt to be physically close to the victim by approaching, following, surveilling, and loitering near that person

What might concern you about this letter?

How might you describe the stalker’s profile?
“He always told me he would make me sorry,” “I never dreamed he would do it by killing our child.”

How might you describe the stalker’s profile?
Usually an isolated and shy person , May be unemployed Social Failure: one who lives alone, lacks any type of important intimate relationship Narcissistic personality disorder and very low self-esteem. The stalker feels that they're the most important person in the world." Many people stalk someone they have only met briefly Someone they don't really know, or barely know.

What are Mullen’s Five Categories of Stalkers

Mullen’s Five Categories of Stalkers

1. The Rejected Suitor Sometimes a partner rejected by their spouse or lover may vacillate between overtures of reconciliation and revenge. They have a narcissistic sense of entitlement and belief this is the only relationship they are going to have. More than 80% of rejected stalkers in Mullen’s study had personality disorders. Therapeutic treatment of the rejected stalker involves helping him or her come to terms with the end of the relationship.

2. The Intimacy Seeker The intimacy-seeking stalker intends to establish a relationship with his "true love" regardless of her wishes. More than half of the intimacy seekers Mullen evaluated were delusional, believing that their love was reciprocated, and nearly a third had a personality disorder and a delusion that their quest would be ultimately successful. Legal actions do not work well with intimacy seekers, who may justify their behavior with the belief they must pay a price for true love. The court may order treatment, which should focus on treating their delusions or other mental disorders.

3. The Incompetent Suitor
This type is typically a man who had been rebuffed after asking a woman for a date. He’s often socially inept, and when rejected, begins to stalk with the hope that his persistent behavior will change the woman’s mind. The incompetent suitors can be responsive to judicial sanctions but are also likely to relapse.

4. The Resentful Stalker These offenders express anger in response to a perception that they have been humiliated or treated unfairly by the object of their obsession. They thrive on having a sense of power and control over the victim, and are hard to treat because they often see themselves as the victim.

5. The Predatory Stalker Predator plans their attack, rehearses it, has lots of sexual fantasies about it. Derives pleasure from gathering information about the target and fantasizing about the assault. Doesn't necessarily know the victim. The victim may not know she is being stalked. They often have prior convictions as sexual deviants.

Lets see who’s a stalker..
I love you

Why did we leave off the Predatory Stalkers ?
Threats (%) Assaults (%) Rejected Suitor 71% 54% Intimacy Seeking 50% 23% Incompetent Suitor 32% 27% Resentful Stalker 87% 25% Predatory Stalker 33%

Predict which is the most to be concerned about?
The rejected and predatory stalkers are most likely to assault their victims.

When to Be Concerned The red flags:
You immediately start getting several phone calls or s right after meeting this person. The person is clingy, controlling, or upset if you want to spend time with friends and family. Marlon Pagtakhan stalked Jerry Ryan

How to Take action: Tell everyone you know that this is going on -- your employer, friends, family. Gently but firmly tell the person you've decided to move on. Don't get drawn into discussions of why. Just say, "This situation isn't right for me" or "I'm not ready.." -- whatever you need to say, but say it gently.

Treatments for Victims
Mullen has found that cognitive-behavioral therapy works well in managing the anxiety stalking victims experience. Medications such as SSRIs for some patients. "It is important to inform and educate family members about the stalking and enlist their help in managing it," he stated.

Treatments for Victims
Stressed that victims of stalking, like victims of sexual or physical abuse, often blame themselves for the situation. Because they feel shame or misplaced guilt, they do not share their ordeal with others and become more isolated and afraid Counseling the victim to realize that he or she is not responsible for the stalking. Advises victims to file a complaint with the police if the stalking episodes continue for more than two weeks. "To prove that the perpetrator is guilty of a crime and have the court order treatment, evidence is critical. Do not destroy answering-machine tapes, notes, letters, s, or gifts in a moment of distress," he advised

Professionals at Risk, What about the victims?
"Professionals who work with the lonely and unstable are at risk of being stalked," said Mullen. Estimated that about 15 percent have been stalked by a patient during their career. Victims are often forced to alter their lives to avoid the stalker. Mullen’s study found: 53% of his subjects quit or changed jobs 40% moved to a different home 70% curtailed social activities.

Professionals at Risk, What about the victims?
In addition to the physical dangers, stalking takes a severe psychological toll on its victims. 83% Subjects were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder 37% with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additional 18% had PTSD symptoms but did not meet formal diagnostic criteria. 24% had ideas of suicide 25% percent increased their alcohol consumption and/or cigarette smoking

STALKING LAWS All Persons in the US are covered by a State Stalking Statute All 50 states have statutes outlawing stalking behavior

Federal Anti-Stalking Statutes
Whoever travels across a state line or within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the US, with intent to injure or harass another person, or place them in reasonable fear of death or GBI to that person or a member of that person’s immediate family shall be punished as provided in this section Five year minimum sentence Only a couple of prosecutions ever Also to be aware federal Interstate domestic Violence Statute and Interstate Violation of protective order

What is Stalking? Any person who engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person which places that person, or their family, in reasonable fear for their safety, commits the crime of stalking Stalking is a “course of conduct” Stalking behavior has to be viewed with the context of that “course of conduct” Each state defines stalking a little differently

Stalking Behaviors Followed, spied on, stood outside home or work (82%) Made unwanted phone calls (61%) Sent unwanted letter, left unwanted item (33%) Vandalized property (30%) Killed or threatened to kill a pet (9%) (study conducted by the center for Policy Research)

Common Stalking Traits
Won’t take no for an answer Displays an obsessive personality tend to have rigid personalities Usually above average intelligence Few or no personal relationships

Common Stalking Traits
Lack of embarrassment or discomfort at their inappropriate behavior Low self esteem Sociopathic thinking Many times have “mean” streak and get violent when frustrated

Who gets Stalked 1 Million woman each year 370,000 men each year
8% of all women will be stalked 2% of all men will be stalked 1 out of every 12 U.S. Women (8.2 million) and 1 out of every 45 U.S. Men (2 million) have been stalked at some point These are just one set of statistics

Stalker Demographic Profile
Male (87%) White Between the ages of 18-35 Above average intelligence Personality or mental disorders

Stalking Victim Demographic Profile
Women (78%) Young (74%)--between the ages of 18-39 White (83%) Married (59%) Educated (35% high school 46% college)

Relationship between the Stalker and the Victim
When the victim is a woman Note that 60%of the targets had a relationship, AND 78% of stalkers are known to the victim

Stalking Categories SIMPLE OBSESSION LOVE OBSESSION
stalker and victim involved in interpersonal relationship (ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, ex-husband/wife, ex-partners,co-workers, neighbors, etc ) LOVE OBSESSION no relationship between the parties (fan/celebrity, co-worker, acquaintance, neighbor, etc.) SIMPLE OBSESSION: USUALLY A PERSONALITY DISORDER, ANTI SOCIAL SOMETIMES HARDER TO TREAT.

Stalking Categories Erotomania Vengeance Stalking
subject thinks he/she is loved by another (secretary/superior, fan/celebrity) Vengeance Stalking false victimization STATISICS FROM 1997 STUDY INDICATE ONLY 5% OF EROTOMANICS WILL BE COM VIOLENT

Simple Obsession Stalkers
Traits of Domestic Violence Stalkers Personality and mental disorders Socially maladjusted---”loners” Insecure History of abusing (and being abused) Feelings of powerlessness Low self-esteem----”control freaks”

Simple Obsession Stalking
Domestic Violence Stalking 60% of all stalking cases Among the most dangerous of cases: 30% of all female homicides were committed by intimate partners Domestic violence victims run a 75% higher risk of being murdered by their partner Highest Risk to DV victims is at the moment they leave their partners and become stalking victim. There is usually a history of failed intimite relationships and usually the stalker is not in a sexual pair bond at the time of the criminal behavior. 90% of domestic related homicides were preceded by stalking 81% of stalking victims who were stalked by an intimate partner reported that they had also been physically assaulted by that partner. 31% were also sexually assaulted by that partner. NVAW Survey

Love Obsessional Most of suspects initial contacts with a victim are via correspondence Factors which include enhance risk include: Excessive number of letters Stated intention or evidence of directed travel to encounter the victim Duration of one year or more Dr. Meloy a psychiatrist at UC-sandiego did a study of obsessional followerers and offenders with disorders. He found the obsessional followers were significantly older, more intellengent, better educated which he found to be consistant with resourcefulness and manipulativeness.

Erotomania Very resourceful and will engage in a variety of contact behaviors Because they feel “loved” by the victim they are not inclined to harm their victim Cases can develop with no relationship, or through a casual or business relationship these behaviors are most often reserved and the subject will not normally attempt face to face dialogue. A communication which shows a change in “tone” wherein the suspect communicates frustration Anger, or intent to harm should be considered as posing a significant risk to the victim

Celebrity Stalkers David Letterman Woman believed she was his wife
Constantly breaking into his home Had her son in in tow Took a joy ride in his car Committed suicide She became obsessed with him in 1988 and was arrested for stealing his car and identifying her 3 year old as his child. She was arrested 8 times during the next five years on tresspassing and other counts. She left cookies and an empty whisky bottle in the foyer of his home. Letterman treated it as a joke and made reference to her on his TV show. In 1993 he had a top ten list of things he should do before he leaves nbc including “send change of address forms to that woman who breaks into my home.” Dr. Meloy who studies stalking behavior stated “david letterman would unwittingly contribute to her delusion by making reference to her on his latte nite tv show. He translates her delusional fantasy into reality in front of millions of television viewers.” She later fixated on the astronaunt Story Musgrave and showed up at his house after sending numourous letters. After a year of hospitalization she ends up in Colorado and kneels in front of a train committing suicide David Letterman

Steven Spielberg/Jonathan Norman
Broke into property 4 times 1997 Last arrest, had rape kit in car Goal was to bind Spielbergs wife, and rape Spielberg while she watched

The Investigation Treat seriously—high lethality potential
Educate Victim What is stalking Different kinds of threats That pattern will not end with police investigation Get facts first, then approach fear issue. Victim may be less fearful than needs to be and more annoyed. Can you guarantee safety?

The Investigation Collect all notes, gifts, message tapes from victim
Enlist victim in collecting evidence log, including how contact made victim feel and for how long Screen calls Answering machine tapes Have victim report all contacts

The Investigation Interview Victim No false promises to victims:
Series of events so victim may need time to think and process Most recent, worst, what was the first behavior, etc. How did suspect meet victim How to locate suspect Prior relationships (other victims) No false promises to victims: Can you guarantee safety?

The Investigation If victim feels it is not safe to get TRO, explore reasons. Victim may be right. If suspect is at large, ask victim for a photo Discourage victim form any contact with the suspect. Any contact is good contact to the stalker Always remember the suspect has a right to question the victim at a TRO hearing and it’s best to have Det or advocate with victim in court.

The Investigation Interview victim about suspect’s…… Family members
Best friends Hangouts Employment, past employers Vehicles, storage lockers, Post office boxes, addresses, cell phone #’s, pagers, and any previous addresses Financial information such as credit and banking cards for tracking purposes

The Investigation Always do a search warrant
Look for evidence of obsession Shrines in home or work Evidence of criminal behavior Journals or diaries of victim and/or other family members

The Investigation If no violation, contact the stalker and advise of consequences Conduct surveillance if high risk lethality Apprehend for EVERY violation Visit each crime scene (photograph, measure, video, diagram) Make presentation to DA

The Investigation Advise Judge of past activities and request high bonds Anticipate every case will be taken to trial by the stalker and prepare victim

Questions for the Victim
Has the suspect ever threatened you? Has the suspect ever attempted to assault or assaulted you? Has the suspect ever threatened or been physically violent with someone other than you ? Has the suspect committed any other violent act? Do you ever initiate contact with the suspect? For What reason?

Preparing the victim for future incidents
Inform all of the neighbors, co-workers, receptionist, and the security staff where you live or work. Prepare them for the possibility that the stalker may look for you there and ask them to support you . Do the same with the key people in the organizations to which you may belong. The moment the stalker shows up in a work or social setting is not the time to explain the situation to everyone. Consider getting a cell phone. Do not keep secrets about the stalker or his activities. Report every encounter to someone immediately

Preparing the victim for future incidents
Seek support from people who understand. Avoid people who minimize the problem and tell you that you are overreacting. Do workouts with a buddy if you jog or go work out a club. (This will make the victim feel safer and will also provide a witness if the stalker approaches them. Don’t walk alone or jog at night. Ask security for escorts to car if necessary. Alternate secure or close parking arrangements if possible. If the victim is an employee, provide copy of RO to supervisor, provide picture. Emergency contact person if employer is unable to contact the employee. Safety in the workplace is big consideration.

Victim Issues Experts suggest that where the offender is known the victim should send a clear written warning, CEASE-UNWANTED Under no circumstances should they continue to communicate with the stalker Victim should save all communications, record dates and times, s etc. Victim may wish to file a complaint with their ISP and or Stalkers ISP (if cyberstalking) The stalker sees any contact as good contact. Each victim contact with the stalker is an in intermitant positive reinforcement and predicts an increase in frequency of subsequent approach behavior.

Other types of Interventions
Letter to suspect w/ “no contact statement” from victim Letter from College Law enforcement contact Campus security contact

Sample No Contact Statement (Spence-Diehl, 1999)
[Stalker’s Name] I am not interested in having any type of a relationship with you. Do not continue to call me, send letters or have any other type of contact with me. Your behavior puts me in fear of my safety. If you continue, I will call the police and file stalking charges. [Victim’s Name]

Victim Issues cont. Victim may wish to change ISP, look into privacy programs Victim should seek help/support from family/friends and law enforcement. Safety planning: before criminal charges are brought, at arraignment, pending trial, after trial or disposition. Remember stalkers can transfer their obsession to advocates, cops or DA’s or family &friends of victims. Without physical boundaries, the cyberstalker does not need to be at the scene of the crime. The victim’s perception is that the cyber stalker is always there, in cyberspace, with the abiltity to send multiple s to one’s home or workplace. Unlike terrestrial stalking, there is nowhere that the cyerstalker’s victim feels safe. Hence, cyberstalking victims tend to experience more psychological symptoms such as paranoia, as the victim may have no ideas who the cyberstalker is and therefore is unable to trust others. The victims exhibit a decreased level of functioning in their daily lives, sleep, and eating patterns. The victim of a cyberstalker constantly feels insecure as the cyberstalkser ”can break into your house without even walking tin her front door. And they can send people into your life that can completely tear it apart.”

Creating a Safety Plan Safety planning can be complex, it is helpful to enlist the assistance of a trained advocate and reach out to other campus resources Don’t underestimate the stalker’s potential for violence A victim who knows the stalker is the true expert on her safety

Safety Plan Advice for Victims
Do not attempt to communicate with the stalker If you are being followed, go to a safe, public area (police station)- don’t go home Get a new, unlisted phone number and use an answering machine Try to travel in a group or with friends

Safety Plan Advice for Victims
When going to your car ask co-workers to walk you there or watch you safely get in Lock all doors and windows in your car and house, even if you are inside Keep a Stalking Log- save all evidence Report stalking to the police

Impact of Stalking

Stalking’s Impact on Victims
83% of victims reported personality changes (Hall, 1998) 80% of victims reported increased anxiety and arousal due to the stalking; 75% had chronic sleep disturbances; and 33% met criteria for PTSD in DSM (Pathe & Mullen, 1997) 26% of female victims lost time from work, and 7% of female victims never returned to their jobs (Tjaden, 1998) Psychological terrorism – think back to 9/11, unless you are actually being stalked, that is about as close a you can relate to a victim of stalking. After 9/11, I didn’t know what was going to come next, when the next attack would hit, where it would hit. America was being stalked. I wasn’t even sure who the bad guys were, most of the terrorists from 9/11 looked like Joe America. There is nothing quite as disheartening as that feeling, that is what stalking victims feel every day, except it is more vivid, because the stalking is directed at them the individual.

Closing Clinical Study done by 4 psychiatrist to “elucidate” the behaviors, motivations, and psychopathology of stalkers Study group 145 stalkers who had been referred to forensic psychiatric treatment center 79% were male The duration of stalking was from 4 weeks to 20 years. Conclusions: Stalkers have a range of motivations, from reasserting power over a partner who rejected them to the quest for a loving relationship. Most stalkers are lonely an socially incompetent, but all have the capacity to frighten and distress their victims. Bringing stalking to an end requires a mixture of appropriate legal sanctions and therapeutic interventions. Study of Stalkers Paul Mullen, Michele Pathe Rosemary Rurcell and Geoffrey Stuart 1999

Stalking (CA P.C ) Willfully, maliciously and repeatedly follows or harasses another person, Who makes a credible threat With the intent to place that person in fear for their safety or the safety of their immediate family

Stalking Victims

Post Intimate Ex-Husbands Ex-wives Ex-boyfriends Ex-girlfriends

Prior Acquaintances Acquaintances Neighbors Former friends Co-workers
Students Ex-patients Relatives Rapists

Unknown Early on in a stalking situation
You know someone is following and/or harassing But you do not know who it is (yet) Most stalkers will let victim know who they are

FVS Red Flags Come forward gleefully Wants to share all the details
Expresses little fright Seems to be enjoying the attention Encourages police/3rd parties to set up a “meeting” so they can talk to stalker

FVS Red Flags Many FVS have history of self mutilation
Suicide attempts False claims often follow major life distressors or dramatic moments

Stalker Contact Surveillance Techniques
Following Drive bys Appearing at workplace Wiretap telephones Home surveillance

Stalker Contact Harassment
Letters Phone calls Threats Unwanted gifts Mail tampering Cancel utilities False police reports

Stalker Contact Property Damage
Slashed tires Broken windshields Poison outdoor plants Cut up clothing Break into home

Stalker Contact Violence
Occurs in 30% of cases Physical assault Sexual assault Kidnapping Killing or injuring pets

Protective Orders Of the 44% of the respondents who obtained a restraining order 20% rated them as effective in controlling stalking behavior 80% rated them as ineffective

Restraining Orders Two schools of thought: Yes, always get one versus
Maybe, it depends on the situation

Restraining orders (cont).
“Law Enforcement Tools” If a restraining order is violated it becomes a felony versus a misdemeanor.

Dramatic Moments life events which are likely to humiliate or shame to perpetrator, stoke his fury, and increase his risk of violence. Examples include but are not limited to: stalkers first approach to and rejection by the target Unacknowledged gifts, letters, etc. Issuance of restraining order First court appearance

Tjaden findings 1 in 12 females will be stalked during their lifetime (8-12% of population) 1 in 45 men will be stalked during their lifetime (2-4% of population)

U.S. College students Several studies have found that approximately 27% of college students are stalked during their college years Possible reasons for this finding Developmental deficits in social skills Structure of college life

Stalkers When compared to other criminals, stalkers tend to be: Older
Higher IQ More educated

Demographic Characteristics of Stalkers
Male (75%-87%) Mid to late 30s Average or above average intellectual functioning High School or above educational attainment History of failed intimate relationships Immigration may be a risk factor (10%) Prior psychiatric history

Conviction rate of stalkers
Approximately 50% of stalking victims report the crime to the police 13% of female victims report conviction of stalker versus 9% of male victims If you include other crimes committed by stalker (but not the actual crime of stalking) conviction rates increase to: 24% for female victims and 19% for male victims

Stalking Red Flags Chronic privacy intrusions at work or at home
A need for the stalker to be physically close and to frequently touch the target Prolonged staring at the target without verbalization Repeat and unwanted gift giving

DeBecker says: “No matter what you may have assumed till now, and no matter for what reason you assumed it, I have no romantic interest in you whatsoever. I never will. I expect that knowing this, you’ll put your attention elsewhere, which I understand, because that is what I intend to do.”

Psychosocial Impact on Stalking Victims
Anxiety (83%) Sleep disturbances (74%) Overwhelming Powerlessness (75%) Flashbacks/Intrusive recollections (55%) Fatigue (55%) Weight fluctuation (48%) Headaches (47%) Reduced social outings (70%) Reduction in work/school attendance (53%) Relocation (39%) Change in workplace, school, or career (37%)

Risk Management Strategies for Victims
Document, document, document Maintain log of all contact Change daily schedule and routes Alert trusted neighbors, coworkers, family and friends Cease all contact with stalker Code word on all utilities Have a safety plan Carry a disposal camera and a video camera

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