Victim characteristics of stalking in a nationally representative sample, USA

Background Stalking is a serious public health problem experienced by millions of women and men. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey is a nationally representative survey that collects victimisation data on sexual violence, stalking and intimate partner violence in the USA. This article presents 2023/2024 national prevalence estimates by race/ethnicity and age at first stalking victimisation among victims. Methods We analysed data from 15 609 participants who completed the 2023/2024 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey. Lifetime prevalence estimates and significance testing were calculated for stalking by race/ethnicity and age at first-time stalking victimisation and weighted to the US adult population. Results Stalking prevalence varied by race/ethnicity. For example, 29.8% and 13.9% of non-Hispanic multiracial/other women and men, 22.0% and 12.8% of Hispanic women and men and 23.0% and 8.3% of non-Hispanic White women and men, respectively, were stalked during their lifetimes. Stalking was more prevalent for women and significant differences were observed across racial/ethnic groups. Most female and male stalking victims first experienced stalking before age 25, with approximately 30% experiencing it before turning 18. Differences between women and men within each age-at-first victimization group were not significant. Discussion and conclusions Stalking is a serious problem impacting individuals across all racial/ethnic groups and often begins in younger years. To tailor prevention efforts, future studies may examine how victim–perpetrator relationships and stalking tactics vary by race/ethnicity and age of victims. Stalking is preventable and requires ongoing monitoring to shape prevention strategies and reduce its negative impacts.