Intensive Case Management for Victims of Stalking: A Pilot Test Evaluation
From the School of Social Work at the University of Texas, Arlington
Contact author: Emily Spence-Diehl, Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Arlington, School of Social Work, Box 19129, 211 South Cooper Street, Arlington, TX 761190129. E-mail: spence{at}uta.edu.
This mixed-method study evaluated the early development and pilot testing of Project IMPACT, an intensive case-management intervention for victims of stalking that incorporates victim-centered crisis intervention, advocacy, and multiagency service coordination. The sample includes all 36 clients who participated in the project, as well as the victim advocates who provided them with services. Results show that most clients noted an improved sense of well-being and safety; yet, numerous clients still experienced residual symptoms of trauma and had unsatisfactory interactions with the criminal and civil justice systems. Recommendations are made to further refine, develop, and evaluate the intervention.
KEY WORDS: stalking, victimization, case management, domestic violence, evaluation, crisis intervention, trauma symptoms, design and development