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INTRODUCTION TO STALKING

Stalking although it may not seem like it, is still defined under the law as
a violent crime. It is important that a victim of stalking get professional
help as stalking often may precede a violent assault.

Stalking may include any or all of the following:

Being persistently followed by an individual who may be unknown
to the victim or a family member, friend or acquaintance of the
victim;
Being harassed through mail or telephone;
Being threatened constantly through these mediums.

If the stalker knows the victim it is important that it is made absolutely
clear to the victimizer that their relationship is over. Even any kind of
possibility for the continuation of a romantic or non-romantic may be
misinterpreted by the stalker. A predator may even misconstrue phrases
like, " We just have to see where we end up," or, " I am just confused
about our relationship".

Any contact or stalking episodes should be recorded regardless and
reported to the authorities.

Stalking by a stranger...

Get a license number, color/description of vehicle to include
anything unusual such as bumper stickers, primer spots, or dented
fenders.
Get a physical description of the driver, such as skin color, hair
color, hair length, scars, age, size, any clothing observed.
Note date, time & location of occurrence.
Record any harassing telephone calls.
Calls can be traced by immediately by pressing *57. The caller's
phone number will be automatically sent to Call Trace at AT&T,
and they will report call to law enforcement in your jurisdiction.
The number is not available to you unless you advise law
enforcement you want to file charges.

Stalking by an estranged partner...

Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially if the person
stalking you has a history of having beaten you in the past. The
most dangerous time is not staying in a violent relationship, but in
leaving the violent relationship.
Always watch to see if you are being followed. If you are being
followed, go to the nearest police substation. Fire stations, and
convenient stores are also staffed 24 hours a day and will usually
have people around.
Make reports to the police, even if you don't prosecute. This will
provide documentation for pursuing criminals charges later if the
harassment and stalking continue. There may need to be two
police reports before stalking charges can be filed.
Record your telephone conversations and keep all harassing
messages on your answering machine.
Send a clear message that the relationship is over. Do not be even
the slightest bit vague. The type of person who is obsessive with
another will take an inch to make it a mile.
Document, document, document everything. Keep all letters or
notes sent. Keep a record or diary of these events.
Don't think the behavior will change, no matter how much
begging, pleading, cajoling there is or how much sympathy you may
feel. It is almost always manipulation to get you back. Don't fall for
it!
Specifically remember the bad times. Once you've been charmed
back, you will be seeing the bad side again, and it will overshadow
the good.

They blame you- don't take responsibility for their actions.
You don't have to put up with it!!

Common Stalking Behavior:

Repeated phone calls (including hang-ups)
Annoying/threatening phone calls
Tapping or monitoring your phone calls
Vandalism of your property (home, car, personal
possessions
Disabling your car
Following you or showing up at places you frequent
Driving by your residence or workplace
Parking in ares that you frequent or walk by
Taking photographs of you or "spying" on you
Sending unwanted letters
Sending unwanted "gifts", photograph's, or
mementos (flowers, jewelry, etc)
Leaving notes on your car, your home or your
workplace
Taking mail from your mailbox
Breaking into your home- moving things or taking
items of personal property
Contacting your friends, family or co-workers for
information
Telling lies about you to other people
Posting "flyer's" about you around your
neighborhood or workplace
Using other people or private investigators to
obtain information about you
Violating restraining orders/protective orders
Reporting you to the authorities for crimes that you
did not occur
Actual physical assaults against you or others

RESPONSE TO STALKING

Notify the police that you are being stalked. Stalking
can lead to a more violent and dangerous crime and it
is essential that you get help.

Report the stalking to law enforcement
Keep an accurate record of dates, times, the
location of where the stalking took place &
continues to take place, and any other
information that can be obtained about the
stalker. This could include messages left on your
machine, letters, or written correspond, pictures
of an unknown stalker, license plate number, etc.
Tell your friends, neighbors, and coworkers
about the stalker. Give them a description and
ask them to record any time when they see the
stalker.
Try to get a protective order and peruse other
legal action.
Protect yourself and be aware of your
surroundings. Vary your routes of travel, carry
mace, lock the doors of your home, and always
be aware of your environment. Stalking can turn
into a dangerous and violent crime It is essential
that you protect yourself as best you can.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS FOR VICTIMS OF STALKING

Houston Police Dept. Sex Crimes   713-308-1180
Emergency Police aid   911
Harris Co. Sheriff's Dept:
Domestic Violence Unit (prior relationship)   713-967-5743
Homicide (stranger)   713-967-5810
Victim Assistance Centre   713-755-5625 (24 hours)

Stalking should not be a crime that is taken lightly. Follow
through with getting the appropriate legal aid and attention.
Stalkers are very compulsive; dangerous and criminal behavior
may continue unless it is stopped. The victim may also have
lingering feelings of insecurity & vulnerability. Therapy can be a
useful tool to victims of stalking and stalking- related crimes.

TEXAS PENAL CODE

Title 9. Offenses Against Public Order and Decency
Chapter 42 Disorderly Conduct and related offenses

(a) A person commits an offense if the person, on
more than one occasion and pursuant to the same
scheme or course of conduct that is directed
specifically at another person, knowingly engages
in conduct, including following the other person,
that:
(1) the actor knows or reasonably believes the other
person will regard as threatening:
(A) bodily injury or death for the other person;
(B) bodily injury or death for a member of the other
person's family or household; or
(C) that an offense will be committed against the
other person's property
(2) causes the other person or a member of the
other person's family or household to be placed in
fear of bodily injury or death or fear that an offense
will be committed against the other person's
property; and
(3) would cause a reasonable person to fear:
(A) bodily injury or death to himself or herself;
(B) bodily injury or death for a member of the
person's family or household; or
(C) that an offense will be committed against the
person's property
(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the
third degree, except that the defense is a felony of
the second degree if the actor has previously been
convicted under this section.
(c) In the section, "family", "household", and
"member of a household", have the meanings
assigned by chapter 71, Family Code.