Stalking Awareness Series offers info on victim impact

Over the previous two articles in this series, we looked at the definition and methods of stalking; the categories of stalking types, which includes individual; third-party or stalking-by-proxy, and group or community-based; and legislative changes to House Bill 4156, the “Modernization of Oregon’s Anti-Stalking Law,” which went into effect July 1, 2024. This week, we’re examining the impact on victims.

Stalking and associated harassment can happen in-person or online, oftentimes both, and has a profound impact on the victim. While some perpetrators don’t realize the extent of harm to the victim, other perpetrators operate with a desired goal to inflict harm and pain on the victim.

Unsurprisingly, many stalking perpetrators show signs of mental illness underpinning their behavior. Research in the United States and Australia on stalkers who have entered the criminal justice system suggests that at least 50 percent and, potentially, up to 75 percent of this group experience some sort of mental disorder, with personality disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, depression, and substance use disorders being most common.

While some stalkers, and even others they engage through proxy-stalking or group and community stalking, can view it as a game, the reality is very grim. The Center for Disease Control’s Intimate Partner Violence Prevention website refers to stalking as a “public health problem that affects millions of people in the United States.”

According to a supplemental survey to a 2019 National Crime Victimization Survey, “an estimated 67 percent of victims of both traditional stalking and stalking with technology were fearful of being killed or physically harmed.”

Emotional/mental health implications

It is not uncommon for stalking victims to experience ongoing PTSD or complex-PTSD symptoms, even after the stalking behaviors have stopped. An article on Neurolaunch.com, “PTSD from Stalking: Lasting Impact and Paths to Healing” states, In the case of stalking, “the persistent threat and lack of control over one’s safety can create a prolonged traumatic experience.”

This ongoing trauma can rewire the brain’s stress response system, leading to the development of PTSD symptoms. Common examples are constant state of hypervigilance, anxiety and fear, depression, social isolation, sleep disturbances, emotional numbing and detachment, issues with concentration, and impaired functioning.

Physical health implications

A 2002 study called “Physical and Mental Health Effects of Being Stalked for Men and Women. Violence and Victims” found stalking victims are more likely to develop chronic diseases than people who have never been stalked.

The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey found that victims also experience higher rates of physical health conditions. Examples include issues with vision, headaches, chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, increased blood pressure, excessive tiredness, and asthma.

Work and financial implications

The trauma and terrorizing associated with being stalked impacts the victim’s ability to work, as well as financially, due to added costs to protect oneself. A 2022 report in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine titled “Short-Term Lost Productivity Per Victim: Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Violence, or Stalking” found that work days lost due to intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking over victims’ lifetimes are worth an estimated $137.8 billion.

As covered in the first article, a common tactic of stalking involves smear campaigns or defamation of character. Multiple sources report stalking victims receiving malicious or unsubstantiated complaints at work and having misinformation spread about their professional abilities. Also, 17 percent of stalking victims describe losing a job or job opportunities, according to a 2019 Stalking Victimization special report issued by the US Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics.

One example of a financial burden includes spending money to relocate. The same special report by the DOJ estimates one in seven stalking victims is forced to move at least once to escape their stalker. Unexpected financial costs also arise when needing to purchase new digital equipment such as cell phones and laptops, cameras or security systems for the home, changing cars, and hiring services to help such as private investigators or attorneys.

These are all examples in a much larger list of victim impacts to stalking and harassment. The damage and harm is tangible and well documented, which is what makes stalking such a nefarious act. This is something that happens not only all over the world but in homes in Columbia County and even Rainier.

This article is the third of five that will be published throughout the month of July. Next week, we will examine working with law enforcement and reporting stalking and harassment.