ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 September 2004
Page Count: 6

The Impact of Anti-Stalking Training on Front Line Service Providers: Using the Anti-Stalking Training Evaluation Protocol (ASTEP)
Forcier, A
Anti-Stalking Coordinator, Safe Horizon, Inc., MA

Collins, M
Anti-Stalking Coordinator, Safe Horizon, Inc, CA

O'Connor, M
Chair, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, N.Y.

Harmon, RB
Associate Director, Bellevue Hospital Center Forensic Psychiatry Clinic; Ph.D. Candidate, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, N.Y.

(Received 28 October 2003; accepted 17 April 2004)

Abstract

The Anti-Stalking Training Evaluation Protocol (ASTEP) was developed to provide Safe Horizon, a large victim service provider, with an opportunity to evaluate and improve its anti-stalking training program. This report presents the results of this effort to measure Safe Horizon staff's knowledge and general perceptions about stalking, and to assess the impact of anti-stalking training on knowledge about the anti-stalking law, and stalking in general. Although these trainees appeared familiar with stalking issues, they were able to benefit from information about different types of stalkers and stalking, and about the legal options available to victims. The implication of the findings is that, if relatively well-informed staff members of a large victim services agency can benefit from training about stalking behavior, anti-stalking legislation and the needs of stalking victims, there is almost certainly a need for such training among a wider population of victim service providers, law enforcement professionals, and the general public.

Keywords:
forensic science, stalking, criminal justice, victim services, evaluation

Paper ID: JFS2003354
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003354
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.