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!!

Profile of a stalker:
Young to Middle-aged
Above average intelligence
80% of cases are men stalking women
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
Signals that he/she could be a stalker:

  • His/her level of persistence is inappropriate to
    the relationship
  • He/she is overly attached to symbols of the
    relationship
  • He/she is uncontrollably jealous or possessive
    after the relationship is over
  • He/she demonstrates obsessive behavior, such as
    making increasingly demanding or threatening
    phone calls or showing up unexpectedly at places
    the victim frequents

                 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.
For more information or assistance, you
can contact us "The Victim Assistance
Centre" at 713-755-5625
Family Time Foundation also has stalking
booklets available upon request:
281-446-2615
STALKING