Stalking of persons with activity limitations¹

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According to the General Social Survey (GSS), 12% of persons with activity limitations reported they were victims of stalking over the course of the 5 years preceding the survey. This compares to 9% of persons without limitations and is consistent with what was observed by Kelly and McKenna (1997). However, that proportion was much higher for those under the age of 45, with one quarter having been victims of stalking compared to 12% of persons in the same age group who had no activity limitations.

The most common forms of stalking were similar for both disabled and non-disabled persons: approximately half (51%) of stalking victims had received obscene phone calls while close to a third reported being followed or spied on. However, persons with activity limitations were more likely to be stalked over a longer period of time. About 33% of stalking victims with activity limitations reported that the intimidation lasted for over a year, compared to 19% of persons without limitations.

Also, 26% of persons with disabilities who were victims of stalking had someone who had intimidated them by injuring their pet or damaging their property. Among persons without limitations, 19% of victims had been stalked in that way.

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Note

1. Stalking is defined as being subjected to repeated and unwanted attention that makes one fear for one's life or for an acquaintance's life.