A victim-centred cost\u2013benefit analysis of a stalking prevention programme

Lisa Tompson,Jyoti Belur,Kritika Jerath

doi:10.1186/s40163-021-00158-5

Lisa Tompson, Jyoti Belur + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40163-021-00158-5

Copy DOI

Abstract

Research suggests that stalking inflicts great psychological and financial costs on victims. Yet costs of victimisation are notoriously difficult to estimate and include as intangible costs in cost–benefit analysis. This study reports an innovative cost–benefit analysis that used focus groups with multi-agency teams to collect detailed data on operational resources used to manage stalking cases. This method is illustrated through the presentation of one case study. Best- and worst-case counterfactual scenarios were generated using the risk assessment scores and practitioner expertise. The findings suggest that intervening in high-risk stalking cases was cost-beneficial to the state in all the case studies we analysed (even if it incurs some institutional costs borne by the criminal justice system or health) and was often cost-beneficial to the victims too. We believe that this method might be useful in other fields where a victim- or client-centred approach is fundamental.

Highlights

Assessing the economic costs involved in crime reduction interventions and the costs avoided is crucial to inform decisions on how to allocate scarce public resources
In an effort to address the gap in the evidence base, this paper reports a cost–benefit analysis for a stalking prevention intervention piloted across three Police areas in England
We present a fully worked out example in the results section before considering the implications of the findings for victim-centred cost–benefit analysis more broadly

Summary

Introduction

Assessing the economic costs involved in crime reduction interventions and the costs avoided (benefits) is crucial to inform decisions on how to allocate scarce public resources. These calculations are conspicuously absent from the evidence base, especially at the systematic review level of abstraction (Tompson et al, 2020a, b). The model drew expertise and intelligence across an interdisciplinary spectrum (e.g., criminal justice, mental health, victim advocacy) to inform the risk assessment and management of stalking cases. Concerns were held by professionals approaching the perpetrator’s release from prison about the perceived high risk of violence associated with managing the perpetrator in the community and a MAPPA (multi-agency public protection arrangements) process was initiated

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion