Stalking: Do criminalization and punishment help?

This article discusses the criminalization of stalking, the reasons for stalking being criminalized and the sanctions that are imposed in stalking cases. The development process of the Dutch anti-stalking law is discussed. The article presents the findings from an empirical analysis of 77 stalking cases tried by Dutch courts. The way in which stalking occurs is discussed, and defendants’ and victims’ backgrounds are taken into account. The penalties imposed in these cases are summarized. Early interventions against stalkers, made possible by the new law, are also considered, and it is contended that these may be even more important than punishing the offender. The article ends with conclusions.