Stalking Behaviors within Couples of Lesbian and Bisexual Women

Introduction There has been limited research on stalking behaviors in same-gender intimate relationships. Research has suggested that early abusive experiences represent relevant risk factors that may have a correlation with experiences of violence in intimate partner relationships. Methods In this cross-sectional research, in 2016, lesbian and bisexual (LB) Italian women (N = 243) filled in a self-report questionnaire including ad hoc measures of childhood abuse and stalking behaviors. Results Results indicated that LB women reporting higher levels of childhood abuse also reported higher rates of stalking behaviors in their adult same-gender relationships. Coming out as lesbian or bisexual individuals was not a factor related to rates of stalking. Conclusions This study confirms the prediction that childhood traumatic experiences represent risk factors that may be related to LB women’s experiences of stalking in same-gender intimate relationships. Policy Implications These results highlight the importance of spreading more knowledge of what is correct and incorrect to expect in an intimate relationship between women.