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.