Treating and managing stalking offenders: findings from a multi-agency clinical intervention

Jerath, Kritika; Tompson, Lisa; Belur, Jyoti

Abstract

The Multi-Agency Stalking Intervention Programme (MASIP), piloted in three police forces in England, delivered a range of risk management interventions, including bespoke psychological treatment to a subset of convicted stalkers. The interim aim was to equip offenders with tools to address their behaviour, as well as to support their transition towards full desistance. This study explores how offender-related interventions were conceived and implemented by stakeholders in this multi-agency partnership and examines whether the personal journeys of stalking offenders involved fulfilled the intended aims. Semi-structured interviews conducted with six clinicians, who delivered direct interventions, and six stalking offenders, who received such interventions, were analysed thematically. Clinicians conveyed that the multi-agency partnership working informed risk assessment, and design and delivery of bespoke therapeutic interventions. Offenders reported improvements in their own reflective, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Additionally, therapeutic interventions assisted them in recognizing the seriousness of their behaviour; its impact on their own lives and their victims; in developing motivations to desist; and self-regulating with learned coping mechanisms. These findings are discussed and give rise to important considerations for practitioners with regards to targeted treatment and risk management of stalking offenders.

Citation

Jerath, K., Tompson, L., & Belur, J. (2023). Treating and managing stalking offenders: findings from a multi-agency clinical intervention. Psychology, Crime and Law, 29(10), 1161-1184. https://doi.org/10.1080/1068316X.2022.2057981

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 19, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Apr 1, 2022
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: May 10, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: May 16, 2023
• Journal: Psychology, Crime & Law
• Print ISSN: 1068-316X
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-2744
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 1161-1184
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1068316X.2022.2057981
• Keywords: Law, General Psychology, Pathology and Forensic Medicine
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/20560941
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1068316X.2022.2057981