Dottorato in PSICOPATOLOGIA E FUNZIONAMENTO MENTALE: METODI DI
RICERCA IN AMBITO FORENSE

Titolo della tesi: The possible measurability of the effectiveness of criminological treatment for stalking offenders in light of the Italian legislative change: Law No. 69/2019 (Codice Rosso)

Introduction: Gender-based violence, including stalking, represents a complex social and legal challenge. Perpetrator intervention programs aim to reduce recidivism and foster behavioral change, yet standardized evidence-based approaches are limited in Italy. Legal mandates require participation for conditional benefits, but duration, content, and monitoring remain vague, creating a disconnect between legislative intent and scientific evidence. Aims: This thesis aims to evaluate the measurability and effectiveness of criminological interventions for stalking offenders, integrating theoretical, empirical, and systematic approaches to identify strengths, limitations, and gaps in current literature and practices. Methods: Four complementary studies were conducted: (1) a theoretical and normative analysis of Italian legislation and its implications for mandatory treatment; (2) a national mapping of Centers for Perpetrators of Violence (CUAV), examining intervention models, assessment tools, and follow-up practices; (3) a systematic review of international literature on psychological interventions for stalking offenders, analyzing effectiveness, recidivism, and methodological quality; and (4) an observational multi-site study assessing the impact of treatment combined with police warnings on recidivism rates, based on data obtained from three Italian police headquarters. Results: The analysis highlighted the lack of a shared framework for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions for perpetrators of gender-based violence, with high heterogeneity in theoretical models, assessment tools, and practices across Italian centers. The systematic literature review suggests a general reduction in recidivism among individuals completing treatment, without indicating whether any specific treatment approach is more effective than others. Empirical data from three Italian police headquarters indicate that treatment, combined with police warnings, may reduce repeated offense reports. However, small sample sizes, fragmented data, and the absence of standardized evaluation criteria prevent definitive conclusions. Discussion and Conclusions: Findings highlight the urgent need for standardized, evidence-based protocols, individualized risk assessment, and integrated monitoring systems. The research provides a foundation for future national and international comparisons, supporting the development of a “precision criminology” approach bridging law, clinical intervention, and empirical research.