Stalking, the path from attraction to obsession : perspectives within the nursing profession in Malta

Abstract

Stalking is a serious crime that has extreme effects on the victim that is involved. Nurses are more vulnerable to becoming stalking victims due to their professional and the close contact that their duties entail with patients. Resultantly, this study's objective is to reveal whether stalking within the nursing community exists in Malta and if so, what effects does this crime have on the victim. Furthermore, this research will also look into preventative measures to combat future cases. The literature review comprises of various components that assemble stalking while also delving into the profiles of perpetrators and victims in general. An overview of stalking within the medical field highlighted the correlation between the crime and those working within such a profession. A quantitative approach has been taken to determine the extent of stalking cases within the nursing profession. Questionnaires were utilised to gather data, once collected the responses were analysed and compared to existing literature. The participants who took part in this study came from various backgrounds in nursing, but all worked within the Maltese medical profession. The findings from the analysed data disclosed the extent of stalking occurrences among nurses. Additionally, results from the questionnaire also revealed the aftermath that this crime has on its victims. To conclude, this study has shown that stalking seems to have a prevalence among nurses in Malta. Potentially, this research could lead to future studies to understand why nurses are targeted more than other professions locally while comparing it to existing literature from other countries.