AIMS: The present study aimed at gathering information on the lifetime prevalence and impact of stalking on victims in a German community. METHODS: A postal survey was sent to 1000 men and 1000 women who were sampled randomly from the inhabitant register. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of being a stalking victim was at 11.6 %. Compared to non-victims, stalking victims scored significantly poorer on the WHO-5 well-being index. CONCLUSIONS: Stalking seems to be a relevant problem in Germany. Physicians have to become experts in this issue since victims frequently ask them for help.
AIMS: The present study aimed at gathering information on the lifetime prevalence and impact of stalking on victims in a German community. METHODS: A postal survey was sent to 1000 men and 1000 women who were sampled randomly from the inhabitant register. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of being a stalking victim was at 11.6 %. Compared to non-victims, stalking victims scored significantly poorer on the WHO-5 well-being index. CONCLUSIONS: Stalking seems to be a relevant problem in Germany. Physicians have to become experts in this issue since victims frequently ask them for help.