The continuum of sexual trauma: An examination of stalking and sexual assault in former US service members

The experience of stalking is an understudied yet essential factor in the prevention of sexual violence. Along with the devastating impact stalking can have on physical and psychological health, stalking can also act along a continuum of harm, creating environments that are conducive to sexual assault. The purpose of the study was to explore incidents of stalking in individuals who served in the US military, as well as the increased risk of reporting sexual assault in those who also report experiencing stalking. Data were collected on 1,035 Chicago, IL Veterans who participated in a large 2016 needs assessment study. Stalking during military service was reported by approximately 35% of Veterans in the sample. Among men, experiences of stalking during service conferred nearly 18 times greater odds of reporting MSA and a 5 times greater risk among women. Results demonstrate concerning rates of stalking experiences within the sample and indicate individuals who experience stalking may be at increased risk of experiencing sexual assault. Sexual assault prevention should move toward the inclusion of preventing, recognizing, and reporting of stalking behaviors in an effort not only to address the occurrence of stalking, but to reduce escalating behaviors along the sexual trauma continuum.