PHYSICAL HEALTH CONDITIONS COOCCUR WITH STALKING
Stalking can exacerbate poor Health
Physical health outcomes of stalking, independent of domestic violence, sexual and physical assault(s), have not been as thoroughly researched. However, some research does exist, and some inferences can be made based on the existing literature. According to the CDC (2022) report on stalking, there are some difference between mens' and women' health outcomes. However, some consistencies emerged such as asthma, frequent headaches, chronic pain, insomnia, and blindness. This is consistent with the existing literature, suggesting that in particular, stalking victims suffer from sleep disturbances, which are strongly correlated with poor mental health outcomes (Logan, et al., 2006). As well as chronic pain which is highly associated with trauma (Ballan, et al., 2022).
Contact 911 in an emergency
If you have any physical health emergencies that are new to you, please contact 911, go to the hospital, or contact your local physician, if it is not an emergency.
Physical health conditions and effects
Sleep disturbance
Sleep disturbance
Sleep disturbance
The CDC (2022) found that men and women identified difficulty sleeping as being linked to stalking victimization compared to controls. Logan, et al. (2006) identified some of the reasons for this in researching partner-stalking; including, nightmares, worry, distractions, poor-habits, and pain. Sleeping more than 8hrs per night, or less than 6hrs per night, has been associated with higher mortality rates.
headache
Sleep disturbance
Sleep disturbance
Men and women have identified more frequent headaches compared to reference groups according to the CDC (2022).
irritable bowel
Sleep disturbance
difficulty hearing &/or seeing
Women have identified Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) compared to reference groups according to the CDC (2022). Logan, et al. (2006) also identified significant eating pattern changes in the majority of the participants in her partner-stalking study, this may suggest a contributor, or may be a result of such.
difficulty hearing &/or seeing
difficulty hearing &/or seeing
difficulty hearing &/or seeing
Men and women have described serious difficulty seeing, even blindness, compared to reference groups according to the CDC (2022). Men also reported difficulty hearing, though no reports of deafness.
asthma
difficulty hearing &/or seeing
asthma
The CDC (2022) report found that both men and women stalking victims reported higher rates of asthma compared to others. This is not surprising as, Logan, et al. (2006) also found that partner stalking victims also reported shortness of breath associated with stress. These findings have been associated with increased susceptibility to colds, flus, and allergies which impact the immune system (Logan, et al., 2006).
pain
difficulty hearing &/or seeing
asthma
Ballan, et al. (2022) found a link between psychological "abuse" and chronic pain, suggesting that those experiencing more pain severity had experienced more trauma. This harkens back to Logan, et al. (2006) partner-stalking study, where the majority of women reported experiencing pain that interfered with their daily-functioning at least once a week. The CDC (2022) research tends to concur with these findings, for both men and women, finding that chronic pain was experienced more than reference groups.
acute injury
exacerbation of chronic health condition/injury
exacerbation of chronic health condition/injury
Acute injuries can range from superficial to severe; these are common in women who have sustained partner assault and/or sexual assault. While this may not be a direct factor in stalking, it can occur as an indirect result of stalking, such as in an attempt to flee from being pursued.
exacerbation of chronic health condition/injury
exacerbation of chronic health condition/injury
exacerbation of chronic health condition/injury
Prior research suggests those with disabilities are at greater risk for violence and stalking (CDC, 2022). Women in Logan, et al. (2006) study reported increase in blood pressure, this can be related to the stalking behaviors or associated stress of court-requirements, or moving, etc. The CDC (2022), however, found women had significantly lower blood pressure, and men had no significant changes compared to reference groups.
He asked me why my blood pressure stayed up so much and i told him my ex-husband, I was always stressed out. He said, "It will get better in time, quit complaining about it. You'll forget about it if you just quit complaining. You're making most of the trouble." he offer[ed] anything but Klonopin.
Logan, et al., 2006, p. 219
