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
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
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
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
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
improve your safety and self-esteem
How is first-Aid & CPR connected to stalking!
Appropriately trained bystander response is critical in cases of emergency. Additionally, these trainings are tied directly to self-efficacy. Students taking these courses have the potential to increase emergency response in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Having this training has broken down barriers regarding willingness to perform lifesaving skills (Kandakai & King, 2013).
This information does not substitute for formal training, it is highly recommended that you seek training and certification in first-aid, CPR, stop-the-bleed, and other bystander-responder courses. We will post updates regularly on local classes.
American red cross
American Red Cross provides training for CPR, First-Aid, AED, and many other life-saving skills. They are available on-line, as well as around Maryland. Many local community colleges also offer courses as well.
Learning to "rescue" yourself
Why is First/aid & CPR important?
Can and Bayer (2023) found in their study 86.3% of the mothers in Turkey state that they have not had the first-aid training and 42.9% of them reported that they have encountered a situation requiring first-aid resulting mostly (60.1%) in an injury.
Improves First-aid self-efficacy
Appropriately trained bystander response is critical in cases of emergency. Research has consistently shown that trained individuals are more competent than those without training. Therefore, offering first aid training to laypersons and children was found to be significantly efficient in producing sound first aid practices (Gülmez-Dağ and Çapa-Aydın, 2015). Furthermore, such training is tied directly to self-efficacy, the perception of how capable one believes themselves to be; such as lending first aid assistance in emergency cases. A course of action can be shaped by thought, thus predict the action; if persons believe they do not have the capability to produce certain outcomes, they may not attempt, they must increase their resilience. Low self-efficacy can hinder the application of first-aid knowledge, even if the person is knowledgeable and skilful (Gülmez-Dağ and Çapa-Aydın, 2015).
Choking and CPR self-efficacy
Wei (2013) studied parental self-sufficiency in Taiwan and found that parents' overall rate of knowledge of first aid was 72%. The average score for absolute confidence in parents' self-efficacy of first aid was 26.6%. The lowest scores for self-efficacy were with regard to choking and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Wei (2013) found evidence that knowledge of first aid is a predictor of parents' self-efficacy.
Willingness to act
Miner, et al. (2022) found community members displayed improvements, including in disaster-related first aid skills, self-efficacy, willingness to respond, and especially knowledge. Self-efficacy showed increases as well as willingness to act or respond at varying degrees.
Break-down the barriers
The American Red Cross (ARC) Responding to Emergencies course was evaluated among college men and women undergraduates (Kandakai & King, 2013). Their perceived ability and willingness to perform lifesaving skills in emergency situations. Results show that the course was highly effective in improving students' perceived self-efficacy of performing lifesaving skills; all subscales improved except the outcome values for rescue breathing and control for severe bleeding. Students also broke down barriers regarding willingness to perform lifesaving skills. Such courses have the potential to increase emergency response rates of persons trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (Kandakai & King, 2013).
[....]So he beat me in the head with the gun and then he passed out. Because we lived in the country and i didn't have a phone[...so] I, got his fishing line out of [his fishing box], and got my needle out of my sewing box. I washed my face, cut my hair down, and stitched my head up.
Logan, et al., 2006, p. 191-192
Pack your bags
First-Aid Kid
First-Aid Kid
First-Aid Kid
Every home should have a first-aid kit, you can easily find a kit online or at a drug-store. It is important to familiarize yourself with your kit, as well as ensure it is customized for your needs, *be sure no items expire (Torres, 2021).
- Basics include:
- Analgesics
- Antibiotics ointments
- antiseptics
- bandages
- cold and hot packs
- elastic bandage
- disposable gloves
- scissors and pointed tweezers
- self-adherent tape
- thermometor
- water-proof adhesive
Bug-Out Bag
First-Aid Kid
First-Aid Kid
Particularly given the tenuous situation of stalking, some may want to consider being prepared to stay elsewhere. Having a bug-out bag or go-bag stocked with essentials for you and your family is highly recommended, though may not be realistic for every person/circumstance (Torres, 2021).
- Multipurpose tool
- Whistle
- Duct Tape, superglue & Ziplock bags
- Wristwatch, Flashlight, Maps
- Jumper-cables
- Note-book(s) and pen(s)
- Copies of important documents
- Games &/or books for yourself & Children
- Chargers (Phone, computer, etc.)
- Cash
- First-aid kit
- Extra medication(s) for family
- Sewing kit & lighter/matches
- Toilettries (soap, feminine products, etc.)
- 3-7 Days worth of Clothes (for family)
- Emergency Blanket
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is a life-saving technique administered to someone who is unconscious, not breathing, and/or has no pulse. The purpose is to preserve brain function and re-start the heart (Torres, 2021). You only have 3-5 minutes until help arrives.
Instructions:
Check airway obstruction, open their mouth, using the head-tilt-lift method, remove any observed obstructions, careful not to push something further. Push on the adult or teen's chest at 100 beats a minute. The rhythm should be "Stayin' Alive!"
Proper CPR training should be received before administration.
CPR on infants & Small Children
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Children require a gentler technique. Check airway obstruction, open their mouth, using the head-tilt-lift method, remove any observed obstructions, careful not to push something further (Torres, 2021).
For infants: Use only the tips of your first two fingers on their breast-bone, to the same tune, press their chest down only one inch, 30x then timed breaths. Lift their head to elevate their chin, covering their nose and mouth, with your mouth breath 2x. repeat, until help arrives.
For small children: Use both hands to press on their chest, to the same tune, press their chest down only two inches, 30x then timed breaths. Lift their head to elevate their chin, hold their nose and breath into their mouth, breath 2x. repeat, until help arrives.
