Relationships, Stalking & Domestic Violence

What is Stalking?

Definition from SPARC

• Behavior-A pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.
• Pattern of Behavior-Not a single incident or "one-off" event. Called a "course of conduct" in most statutes. 
• Policy

What Types of Behavior are Considered Stalking?

• Stalkers use a variety of tactics, including (but not limited to): unwanted contact including phone calls, texts, and contact via social media, unwanted gifts, showing up/approaching an individual or their family/friends, monitoring, surveillance, property damage and threats.
• Identify Stalking Behaviors

 Is Stalking Illegal?

• Stalking is a crime in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the military and tribal lands. Some of the behaviors that make up the crime of stalking are criminal on their own (like property damage). Even if the behavior is not a crime on its own (like texting excessively), it may be part of the pattern of stalking behavior and victims should consider documenting and reporting it.
• Texas Penal Code 42.072-Summary by Texas Law Help

General Tips from SPARC

• Trust your instincts. Victims of stalking often feel pressured by friends or family to downplay the stalker’s behavior, but stalking poses a real threat of harm. Your safety is paramount.
• Call the police if you feel you are in any immediate danger. Explain why the stalker’s actions are causing you fear.
• Keep a record or log of each contact with the stalker. You can use this log as an example. Be sure to also document any police reports.
• Save evidence when possible. Stalkers often use technology to contact their victims. Save all emails, text messages, photos, and postings on social networking sites as evidence of the stalking behavior. You may also want to consider how to use your technology and your devices in a safer manner. 
• Get connected with a local victim service provider who can assist you in exploring your options as well as discuss safety planning.

 Resources

• Stalking Victim Resources from SPARC-Stalking Prevention Awareness & Resource Center (Victim & Friends/Family Resources, Incident/Behavior Log, Protective Order, Safty Planning, etc)
• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network Stalking Article
• Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women Stalking