This report provides an in-depth analysis of how Victorian courts sentence stalking offences contrary to section 21A of the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). It considers the demographics of stalkers, the relationship between stalking offenders and victims, the sorts of stalking behaviours sentenced in Victorian courts and the sentencing outcomes for stalking offences. It also explores the link between stalking and family violence, the rate of reoffending among stalking offenders and the prevalence of stalking offences in rural and regional Victoria.
The report aims to assist the Victorian Law Reform Commission with its inquiry into responses to stalking in Victoria.
Authored and published by the Sentencing Advisory Council
© State of Victoria, Sentencing Advisory Council, 2022