Do you think you’re being stalked? Here’s what SAPD says you should do.

  

January marks National Stalking Awareness Month and the San Antonio Police Department wants everyone to recognize the signs of stalking.

Officials with the department say most of the stalking cases they work on are a result of domestic violence.

“Stalking is another way for a batterer to have power and control over the victim,” said Sgt. Ruben Martinez with the SAPD Special Victims Unit.

Martinez said signs of being stalked in situations like this may include:

  • The stalker showing up unannounced at the location where the victim is
  • Sending messages letting them know where they are and what they are doing
  • Sending threatening messages

“It’s another way to torment them emotionally. And also, they’re sending threats. So it puts the victim in a state of shock and terror,” Martinez said.

If you believe you are being stalked, Martinez says to call police immediately. Making a police report can lead to an investigation getting started and opens up the victim to resources including:

  • Protective orders
  • Shelter
  • A new phone number
  • Checks for GPS tracking devices on your car

Martinez also recommends letting your family and friends know about your situation to help keep you safe.

“Friends and family may be posting on social media and the stalker then knows to show up at that location,” said Martinez.

Stalking is a third-degree felony and can lead to two to 10 years in jail if convicted.