Stalking of professionals: A scoping review.

Abstract

Studies over the past 30 years suggest that health professionals, professionals from the criminal justice system, and university faculty are all at increased risk of being stalked in their professional role. However, the literature on stalking of professionals is fragmented and tends to be siloed within each profession. This scoping review compares the experiences of victims across professions, the impact of stalking on those from different professions, and the responses of employing organizations to the stalking. The review makes clear that stalking is commonly experienced in a variety of different professional roles and the nature of stalking and its impacts are broadly similar, regardless of the targeted profession. The responses of employers are routinely reported as unhelpful by victims of stalking. The findings from the scoping review are used to inform recommendations to improve organizational responses to stalking. Public Significance StatementThis scoping review suggests that stalking victimization is common in professions that have an obligation or responsibility to their clientele. Professionals report similar experiences of stalking, with similar impacts, and where reported, frequently note that employers' responses to stalking are inadequate. The findings emphasize the need for organizations that employ professionals to develop policies to manage stalking as part of their occupational health and safety response.

Stalking in nurses and other health care professionals: Prevalence, consequences, and coping strategies

“…This is particularly important because when support networks are diminished du e to stalking, isolation can thrive and coping skills can be impaired. Although fewer physical than emotional effects were reported (see Jutasi and McEwan (2021) and Harris et al (2023)) symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and sleep problems were reported in studies of Health Care Professionals. At the organizational level, the relationship between experienced workplace violence and job satisfaction, the impact on nurses' job performance, and th e impact on patient outcomes have been established (Arnetz et al, 2015).…”