Stalking among University Students: Prevalence, Victimization and Consequences

Abstract

This study investigates stalking behavior campaigns between male and female university undergraduate students of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. The study also finds out the consequences of stalking behaviors of experienced male and female university students. A sample of 591 male and female undergraduate students of three public sectors universities was drawn through simple random sampling techniques. The 302 students out of 591 experienced stalking behaviors and results of victimization and its consequences were presented on a sample of 302 students, out of which 194 were female and 108 male students. The results reveal that 51% of students out of which 33% are female and 18% male experience stalking and 60% female and 19% male students report their relationship with the offender as ex-boy/girlfriend while 16% of male students mentioned their relationship with the offender as strangers. The study further shows significant results on stalking behavior campaigns as unwanted approaches like following, staring, hanging outside the department, library, cafeteria, as well as unwanted communication like phone calls, text messages, and contact through social media. Furthermore, the study shows significant results of stalking effects on female students’ victims. Keywords: Stalking, Prevalence, Victimization, Consequences, Students.