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Stalking and Intrusive Behaviors in Ghana: Perceptions and Victimization Experiences

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  • Heng Choon (Oliver) Chan

    (Teaching Laboratory for Forensics and Criminology, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China)

  • Lorraine Sheridan

    (School of Psychology, Curtin University, Western Australia 6845, Australia)

  • Samuel Adjorlolo

    (Department of Mental Health, University of Ghana, Legon P.O. Box LG 25, Accra, Ghana
    Research and Grant Institute of Ghana, Accra, Ghana)

Abstract

Most studies of stalking and other forms of intrusive behavior are conducted in the West. Little is known about the phenomenon in the African context. The present work represents the first dedicated stalking study conducted in Ghana. Based on a sample of 371 male and female university students, this study explored the gender distribution of overall perceptions and experiences, and frequency and duration of personal worst experiences of stalking and intrusive behavior. Several significant gender differences were noted. Females were generally more likely than males to perceive a range of intrusive activities as unacceptable. Females and males were equally likely to have experienced aggression and surveillance, and unwanted attention types of behaviors, while males were more likely than females to have experienced persistent courtship and impositions, and courtship and information seeking types of behaviors. In respect of their worst experience of intrusive behavior, females were more likely to report unwanted communications, aggressive courtship, property damage, and harassment of third parties, whilst males were more likely to have been threatened with harm. More than half of our participants (55.5%) were judged to have been stalked. Given the devastating nature and impact of stalking victimization, the findings may provide impetus to increase awareness of stalking in Ghana and add urgency to calls for anti-stalking legislation.

Suggested Citation

  • Heng Choon (Oliver) Chan & Lorraine Sheridan & Samuel Adjorlolo, 2020. "Stalking and Intrusive Behaviors in Ghana: Perceptions and Victimization Experiences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-19, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:7:p:2298-:d:338503
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nicastro, Alana M. & Cousins, Amber V. & Spitzberg, Brian H., 2000. "The tactical face of stalking," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 28(1), pages 69-82.
    2. Jordan, Carol E. & Wilcox, Pamela & Pritchard, Adam J., 2007. "Stalking acknowledgement and reporting among college women experiencing intrusive behaviors: Implications for the emergence of a "classic stalking case"," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 35(5), pages 556-569.
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    Cited by:

    1. Heng Choon (Oliver) Chan, 2022. "Is This Stalking? Perceptions and Victimization Experiences of Stalking and Intrusive Behaviors in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Ghana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-27, May.
    2. Heng Choon (Oliver) Chan, 2021. "Who Are the Stalkers in Hong Kong? Examining Stalking Perpetration Behaviors and Motives of Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-11, December.

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