Retroactive identification identifies early stalking behaviors previously dismissed by the victims as harmless gestures and re-identifies them as behaviors composing of a continuous stalking episode once the victim realizes he/she is being stalked. A crucial reason for examining retroactive identification is to rationalize delays in reporting stalking incidents. The reporting delay stigma may cause biases against the victim and ultimately inhibit the process of obtaining a restraining order or court conviction. The principle of retroactive identification can assist in providing a better understanding of stalking and assist in articulating delays in reporting of stalking episodes and the varying durations reported for stalking episodes in existing research. 30 Endnotes