Relationships, Stalking & Domestic Violence

Contact an HCC Counselor

HCC Counselors are licensed professionals with master's or doctoral degrees who offer free, time-limited, short-term counseling to currently enrolled students.

Students with documented disability may also qualify for accommodations at HCC. Visit our Ability Services Page to learn more about accommodations.

Contact a counselor to schedule an appointment today

Counselors @ HCC Combined Shape Created with Sketch. Accommodations through Ability Services Combined Shape Created with Sketch.

Resources

 

Local Resources

 

National Resources

 

Stalking is ILLEGAL

 

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 is 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. For more information, please visit the National Network to End Domestic Violence Safety Net Project’s Tech Safety Site.
  • Get connected with a local victim service provider who can assist you in exploring your options as well as discuss safety planning.

 Resources

 

Human/Sex Trafficking Help

National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888

Houston Resources:

Other Resources:

 

 

 

Domestic Abuse/Stalking

 

Eating Disorder

Disclaimer:

The information provided by external resources - including third-party websites - is designed to provide helpful information on topics and community resources. HCC does not endorse or accept responsibility for the content, use, or availability of resources provided by external websites or agencies. HCC makes no representations as to the eligibility of any particular student to receive any benefit or the effects – such as those impacting immigration status – that accepting a resource may have on a student. Students in populations that may have specific additional needs are encouraged to seek advice from a relevant professional or reputable resources, such as immigration counsel or a qualified website.