Most stalking statutes speak of stalking as a “course of conduct” directed at the victim or those important to the victim.  Considering the ongoing dynamics between perpetrator and victim in cases involving intimate partner violence, there are few cases in which the elements of stalking are not present.  Yet, the stalking behavior is often overlooked in charging and prosecuting these cases.

The appropriate prosecution of stalking as an adjunct to other charges:

  • provides valuable context that helps the jury to understand the victim-offender dynamics
  • helps to explain victim behavior such as recantation or reluctance to testify
  • supports the imposition of conditions that will enhance victim safety

SPARC provides training to prosecutors.  Click here  for information about our trainings.

You can find a training module on Stalking Identification and Response for criminal justice practitioners here.

The following resources may assist prosecutors in strategically prosecuting stalking charges: