Harassment and Other Problematic Behaviors Experienced by the Staff of Public Office Holders

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Lowry, Timothy J.
Pathe, Michele
Phillips, Jane
Haworth, Debbie J.
Mulder, Melodie J.
Briggs, Colin J.
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2015
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

An expanding literature highlights the prevalence of inappropriate and concerning behaviors toward politicians, particularly by mentally ill, fixated individuals. However, little is known of the risk posed to the “frontline” staff of politicians who are often the first point of contact for these unstable individuals. This study examined the extent to which the harassment of political figures is also experienced by staff who work in the constituency offices. It investigated the prevalence and characteristics of threats and other concerning behaviors toward staff at electoral and ministerial offices across the state of Queensland, Australia. An anonymous survey was distributed to office staff and 67% of respondents reported experiencing at least 1 form of harassment. The most common of these included inappropriate telephone calls, threatened legal action, threats to harm the staff member, loitering outside of the workplace, and unwanted approaches. Respondents frequently indicated that these behaviors had caused them emotional discomfort. In 48% of cases the harasser was thought to have a mental illness. These findings highlight the vulnerability of constituency office staff to these intrusions, the importance of formal training and security procedures in constituency offices, and the need for a referral pathway for mentally ill, fixated individuals.

Journal Title

Journal of Threat Assessment and Management

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

2

Issue

1

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Criminology not elsewhere classified

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections