Violence and threats often leave marks that are more profound than visible wounds. As Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh shares, the story of her youthful marriage, stained with control and violence, unveils a grim reality many women face. “You just don’t know if you can sustain living that way,” says Dosanjh, reflecting on her ordeal and the consequential health struggles she endured, including abnormal cardiac tests.
A Startling Discovery
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health recently released a study that has shed light on this hidden health threat. Spearheaded by Dr. Karestan Koenen, the study meticulously analyzed health data from over 66,000 American nurses aged 36 to 56 over two decades. The findings are as eye-opening as they are alarming: women who experienced stalking and those with restraining orders face significantly increased risks of cardiovascular disease.
Hard Numbers, Harsh Reality
According to the research, involving 66,270 American nurses, 11.7% had been stalked, while 5.6% had obtained restraining orders. The statistics speak for themselves: a 41% higher risk of heart disease for those who faced stalking and a staggering 70% for those with restraining orders. “We find that it’s really the stalking that increases the risk,” Koenen emphasizes, underscoring the gravity of these experiences.
Not Just Statistics
While numbers quantify the threat, individual stories bring it to life. A woman whose identity remains protected recounts her battles with deep vein thrombosis triggered by familial abuse. Her story, tragically echoing countless others, highlights the pervasive impact of violence on women’s health—a realization long overshadowed by silence and stigma.
A Call for Change
This study propels a call for change. Researchers and healthcare professionals suggest integrating questions about stalking and restraining orders into heart health screenings. As Koenen suggests, “The ultimate goal is to improve women’s health.” Recognizing these experiences as risk factors could transform how risks are assessed and managed, moving towards a future where no woman’s cry for help is unheard.
In the light of this discovery, it becomes imperative to provide support. For those who need it, confidential help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224. Texting START to 88788 or chatting at TheHotline.org ensures anonymity and support. A step forward in awareness is a leap towards prevention.
