Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim and the gender of both on the estimation of the severity of stalking incidents. The study used a 3 × 2 × 2 × 2 (prior relationship × perpetrator’s gender × victim’s gender × participant’s gender) experimental design with a hypothetical scenario. A total of 1,200 participants read one of the 12 scenarios and answered items concerning the situation described. The results showed that the participants tended to estimate the severity of the incident lower when the perpetrator was an ex-partner rather than a stranger, or when the victim was a man rather than a woman. In the case of female victims, they tended to estimate the severity lower when the perpetrator was female rather than male. To deal with stalking cases as early as possible, primary prevention and training for police officers are needed to reduce these cognitive biases.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call