Introduction

Stalking is usually conceived of as a properly heterosexual activity, with men pursuing women and women pursuing men. Instances of same gender stalking have been thought to constitute a rarity, some suggesting fewer than 1% of all cases (Meloy, 1996), but more recent studies of stalking behaviours undertaken in larger, less selective populations indicate that they are more prevalent than was formerly estimated (Tjaden & Thoennes, 1998; Mullen et al., 1999). Gender has received minimal attention in most stalking studies despite the consideration given to a range of other demographic variables with predictive potential for, say, the course of the pursuit or the likelihood of stalker violence. While it has been suggested, for instance, that females who stalk female ex-intimates may be more likely to assault their victims (National Institute of Justice, 1996) this issue has not been examined empirically.

In our clinical experience those stalked by individuals of the same gender are exposed to greater scepticism and indifference by law enforcement and other helping agencies. This is not entirely a homophobic response as it appears to be independent of the victim's sexual orientation, although the victim's stated sexual proclivities are not infrequently called into question.