Texas Legislature To Address Stalking Concerns

The Texas Legislature is set to address this session two bills that will make it easier for victims of stalkers to seek protection from and enforcement against stalkers.

One bill, sponsored by the Texas Council on Family Violence, makes it easier for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute stalkers by allowing into evidence a full story of the relationship between the accused and the victim.

“What we as an outside person may consider benign, actually truly instills fear within that other person in that relationship,” said Cesar Campa, the community relations director for El Paso’s Center Against Family Violence.

The other bill, sponsored by the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, allows victims to seek and receive protective orders against strangers.

“Many times, protective orders are only given against someone who the party already knows,” said Campa. “In instances of sexual assault, it can be done by a stranger so it gives the victim the opportunity to get a protective order against a stranger.”

Campa said the bills are necessary now, more than ever, with the increased proliferation of private information on the internet and GPS tracking on cell phones.

“We’re posting on Facebook where we’re at, so definitely, it’s going to be a lot easier for someone to know where you’re at,” said Campa. “Unfortunately, in the wrong hands, it makes it easier for an individual who wants to keep track of the whereabouts of an individual a lot easier.”

Campa said because of the advancement of technology, officials are now advising women who go to the shelter to turn off the GPS tracking on their phones, change privacy settings on their Facebook page and to be more vigilant about what they post online.

If you have concerns about stalking, call the Center Against Family Violence 24-hour hotline at 915-593-7300.