Stalking among sexual and gender minorities: A systematic literature review

Stalking is a serious public health concern in the United States that impacts approximately 1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men, but little research has considered the stalking experiences of sexual and gender minorities (SGM). Following PRISMA methodology, this review summarizes the literature on the stalking experiences of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). Fifteen papers were identified, and findings indicate SGM individuals experience higher rates of stalking compared to heterosexual, cisgender populations. Additionally, although SGM individuals report both similar stalking experiences to non-SGM individuals, SGM individuals also report unique stalking tactics (e.g., receiving unwanted messages from the stalker questioning their sexual orientation), correlates (e.g., minority stressors) of stalking victimization and perpetration, and outcomes compared to heterosexual, cisgender individuals (e.g., belief that university officials would not take their formal report of victimization seriously because they are SGM). A number of limitations of the extant literature were identified including small samples, cross-sectional designs, and measurement variance. This review also identified key gaps in the research regarding knowledge about risk and protective factors for victimization and perpetration, help-seeking, and outcomes of stalking among SGM populations. The absence of research that addresses SGM-specific experiences of stalking contributes to ongoing disparities in stalking and related health outcomes.