The role of family and friends in supporting victims of stalking

Abstract

The focal point of this study is to acquire an apprehension of the portrayal of family and friends in aiding victims of stalking to overcome their trauma. Such research is essential in comprehending the short and long-term effects on its victims, the evaluation of how close relatives and friends contribute to the overall coping strategy and how they help or hinder the victim and also analysing whether, in a Maltese context, the level of support offered by families and friends differentiates between Maltese and foreign victims of stalking. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with police inspectors representing the Domestic Violence Unit as well as with Victim Support Unit was acquired for this study.