A multi-disciplinary intervention package for the management of stalking behaviors in child custody cases

This dissertation will examine and critically review the literature related to child custody, and describe the effects parental acrimony and domestic violence has on child adjustment post-divorce. Furthermore, this dissertation will examine and critically review the literature related to stalking behaviors of former intimate partners, particularly as they relate to child custody. The psychological theories for the basis of stalking behaviors and violence risk will be described. Based upon available literature, the effectiveness of the remedies and interventions currently available to victims of stalking will be evaluated. Similarly the remedies and interventions available in resolving child custody cases will be described, and their appropriateness for situations where stalking is also present will be evaluated. The dissertation will then utilize these results to formulate and propose a multidisciplinary intervention packages for the management of stalking behaviors in child custody cases. The need to intervene with both the victim and the stalker will be emphasized, as well as need to make changes to the child custody process.