FOCL Practice Test

In the context of the Texas stalking statute, what must be considered about the victim’s experience?

1. The emotional impact of the harassment

2. Evidence of multiple incidents of harassment

3. The physical harm incurred

4. The duration of the stalking

The correct answer is: Evidence of multiple incidents of harassment

The Texas stalking statute emphasizes the need to consider the victim's experience through the lens of their subjective perception of the harassment they endure. This includes taking into account how the pattern of behavior demonstrates a serious level of concern, especially as evidenced by multiple incidents of harassment. When there is proof of multiple instances, it establishes a more comprehensive picture of ongoing and repeated threats that could contribute to a pattern of stalker behavior. This repetition is crucial; it can create a cumulative effect on the victim's sense of safety and well-being. The accumulative nature of these incidents often serves as a hallmark of stalking behavior, illustrating that the perpetrator's intentions go beyond mere isolated incidents to a more persistent and menacing harassment. While the other aspects, such as emotional impact, physical harm, and duration, also hold significance, the presence of multiple incidents specifically highlights the sustained nature of the unwanted behavior, which the law considers vital to establishing a case of stalking.