The term stalking may conjure up images of someone following another person, sending excessive emails, or constantly calling them on the phone. Similar to domestic abuse, stalking is a crime that is all about control and power. Stalking is broadly defined as “conduct directed at a specific person that involves repeated visual or physical proximity, non-consensual communication, or verbal, written, or implied threats, or a combination thereof, that would cause a reasonable person fear.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS),1 in 6 women and 1 in 19 men have been the victim of during their lifetime.
Common Stalking Behaviors or Actions
Under the Texas Penal Code, the offenses of harassment and stalking are very closely linked. Stalking can best be described as aggravated harassment. However, harassment charges can come after a single act. On the other hand, stalking charges may be filed against a person who repeatedly (on more than one occasion) engages in conduct that would constitute harassment or that causes another person to fear for his or her own safety or the safety of his or her loved ones.
To be considered stalking, a repeated threat can be either implied or explicit, but it must be directed at a specific person. This can be done in person or electronically. In today’s digital age, posting personal information or spreading rumors about someone can be considered cyberstalking. Stalking behaviors may also include any of the following acts:
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