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CAPTIVE RELATIONSHIPS: A COLLABORATIVE, STUDENT- CENTERED MODEL

NCJ Number
143906
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: (July/August 1993) Pages: 36-38
Author(s)
J M Bost; T Bickers; R Rasmussen
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents a model for a small university to use in providing guidance, support, and protection for female students who are being "stalked" and intimidated by boyfriends who persist in trying to force the continuation of a relationship the woman wishes to end ("captive relationship").
Abstract
The model presented assumes that the university has a student counseling center and a university police department. Under the model, the counseling center provides the victim with support, stress-management techniques, and guidance for safety and protection. The provision of safety and protection services involves collaboration between the counseling services and the university police department. Counselors should encourage the student victims to report their situation to the police, who can recommend personal protective measures and provide specialized police services. Personal protective strategies recommended include always having a "buddy" for night walks, locking doors, using an answering machine, providing the residence hall staff with a description of the stalker, and informing appropriate university staff of the situation. Police services can include a threat assessment to determine the nature and pattern of the threat posed, the documentation of all facts in the case that might be needed to support criminal charges, and preventive patrol as well as appropriate reactive responses to threatening situations. 4 references