A study published by Washington and Lee University shows the mental health effects of stalking are almost as severe, if not equal in severity, to the adverse mental health effects experienced by sexual abuse victims.
Stalking is a hugely underreported crime that affects nearly 8 percent of women in the U.S. by age 45. Stalking is defined by the Department of Health as willful or malicious pursuit of an individual. This behavior can include unwelcomed emails, phone calls, text messages, social media contact, lingering nearby and physically following someone.
Previous research performed on stalking victims indicates the stalker was known to the victim and pursuit can last anywhere from two weeks to two years, but women who reported being stalked later in life had significantly intensified psychological distress than women who reported being stalked at age 21 regardless of the duration of their stalking episode. The primary purpose of stalking is to intimidate, cause fear, or control the ex-partner. Women who are stalked by a current or former partner are three times more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and insomnia than their peers.
The Stalking Resource Center reports 46 percent of stalking victims fear the anticipation of what could happen so intensely it qualifies as an anxiety disorder. Chances of victimization increase substantially in the two weeks immediately following the woman leaving an abusive relationship; half of women killed by their stalkers had reported stalking incidents to the police prior to their murder.
The intense fear felt by victims while in pursuit does not dissipate because the stalking ceases, it can actually intensify. Feelings of panic and hyperawareness are commonly experienced on a daily basis by stalking victims who know their offender is “out there” and can resume stalking at any point. It is normal for victims to get flashbacks and be triggered by the slightest similarity between anything and their perpetrator. Often the feelings of terror are so intense that individuals are forced to stay home, out of sight, away from a public place or places they know the perpetrator goes.
Part of the unique fear caused by stalking is in its often subtle nature. Law enforcement and prosecutors find stalking very difficult to prove in court because the crimes committed are frequently “he said, she said” cases. It is also estimated that 40 percent of restraining orders are violated, and due to lack of evidence no legal action is taken. The vulnerability felt by stalking victims increases their prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. These side effects are likely to worsen with age if not addressed. It is not uncommon for stalking victims to move, change their name, or change their telephone number to get away from the situation.
Acknowledging the stalking to a trusted person, mental health professional, advocate or law enforcement is the first step to seeking help. Documenting each incident in a log or notebook is helpful if wanting to pursue legal action. It is important for women to know that what is happening to them is illegal and there are ways to feel safe again.
Each month a local provider will discuss an area of mental health. This month’s contributor is the Violence Prevention Center. If you need to talk to someone confidentially, call 218-387-1262.
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