Stalking is an act of imposing unwanted behaviors such as constant threats, frequent calls and vandalized acts that usually intimidates or threatens ones physical or mental well-being, which can effect the overall health status of the victim. Because of its negative consequences on one’s heath status stalking is considered a major public health issue. A stalker’s actions are to instill fear, control or manipulate their victims, who are in some cases the ex-intimate partner usually who were also, usually subjected to violent encounters during the relationship. In some situations, stalking has been known to escalate and become violent and fatal. The effects of stalking infringes on human rights by destabilizing ones physical and mental status such as the lost of a sense of feeling safe which can cause these individuals to isolate themselves or make dramatic life style changes to compensate for the lost. A lot of the emotional/physical/mental health effects are the result of stress and fear secondary to the stalking behavior, for example many are diagnosed with panic attacks/anxiety disorders, hypertension and GI disorders. It destroys the individuals’ spirit to a point of becoming suspicious and distrustful toward society or and developing anti-social behavior such as violence tendencies, substance or alcohol abuse. Knowledge of forensic principles/ guidelines and the use of universal screening arm nurses with assessment skills which enables in identifying patterns or signs of abuse and address any health and safety issues that may accompany the victim. Proper documentation of findings and collection of evidence, reporting occurrences to appropriate authorities and connecting victims with appropriate referral/resources are efforts on the part of the forensic nurse in seeking justice for the victim and curving or decreasing the cycle of violence/abuse.
Legal Services regarding stalking
Tags: Forensic Nursing, Forensic Nursing Chronicles, Forensic Nursing Theories, Forensic Nursing Stalking Crimes
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