Reporting Stalking to Texas Officials
Every hotline, state agency, and court resource you need to report stalking in Texas.
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How to use this guide
This guide covers statewide Texas resources: the government agencies, hotlines, and courts that serve every county. Each section also tells you how to find the right local office near you.
Start here: Texas courts can issue a protective order for stalking victims, and a court cannot charge a fee for filing, serving, or entering it.
Before you call: have your documentation ready — dates, what happened, any messages or photos saved, and whether a report has already been filed elsewhere.
If you're in danger: call 911 first. Every other number in this guide is for follow-up support, not emergency response.
Emergency & Immediate Danger
Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical
911
Call if you are in immediate danger, right now.
Texas Highway Patrol / DPS (find your local office)
Via dps.texas.gov
For non-emergency matters outside local police jurisdiction.
Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse (TDCJ)
1-800-848-4284
Toll-free hotline that connects crime victims to resources across the state.
Can't speak safely? In areas where Text-to-911 is supported, you can text instead of calling — check with your mobile carrier for coverage in your county.
Texas — Statewide Agencies
Texas Attorney General — Crime Victims' Compensation Program
1-800-983-9933
Covers medical, counseling, lost-wage, and relocation costs; stalking is an eligible crime.
texasattorneygeneral.gov/crime-victims ↗Texas Address Confidentiality Program (Attorney General)
Via crimevictims@oag.texas.gov
A substitute address and mail forwarding for victims of stalking, family violence, sexual assault, or trafficking.
texasattorneygeneral.gov ↗Texas DPS — Victim Services
Via dps.texas.gov
Victim rights information and notification about an offender's status.
dps.texas.gov ↗Reporting to Local Police & Sheriffs
Stalking is usually reported to the police department in the city where you live or work, or to your county sheriff outside city limits.
Your local police department (non-emergency line)
Dial 911, or search “[your city] police non-emergency”
Stalking can be reported at any city police department or county sheriff's office.
Your county sheriff's office
Varies by county
Primary law enforcement in unincorporated parts of Texas.
Your County or District Attorney's Office
Varies by county
Can help you apply for a protective order if a stalking offense has been reported.
Good to know: you can file a report at any police department, not only the one nearest the stalker. Ask for the officer's name, a complaint or case number, and how to follow up.
Protective Orders in Texas
Stalking protective order: available to victims of stalking under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 7B, in addition to family violence protective orders.
No court fees: a court cannot charge you a fee for filing, serving, or entering a protective order.
Get help applying: a prosecuting attorney or a private attorney can help you apply — your county's District or County Attorney's office is a good first call.
Texas Attorney General
Crime victim services, including help with the Address Confidentiality Program.
texasattorneygeneral.gov/crime-victims ↗Where to apply
A Texas court in the county where you live or where the stalking occurred.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect
Filing a Police Report
- 1Go to any police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker.
- 2Ask to speak with an officer and say clearly that you want to report stalking or harassment.
- 3Bring your documentation: dates, messages, photos, and names of any witnesses.
- 4Ask for the report's complaint number before you leave, and request a copy if possible.
- 5Ask about victim assistance resources — many departments have a victim advocate or can refer you to the Crime Victim Clearinghouse.
Getting a Protective Order
- 1Report the stalking to your local police, and ask for a report number.
- 2Contact your county's District or County Attorney's office, or a private attorney, about applying for a protective order.
- 3Describe each incident with as much detail as possible — dates, what happened, and any pattern you've noticed.
- 4A court can issue a temporary protective order, with a hearing to follow — you cannot be charged a fee.
- 5Keep a copy of any order with you, at home, and at work.
Specialized Support
Texas Abuse Hotline (DFPS)
1-800-252-5400
24/7, statewide — one number for child abuse and for abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults 65+ or with disabilities. Child abuse reports now require a name and phone number.
Quick-Reference Contact Sheet
| Agency | Phone | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency — Police, Fire, Medical | 911 | Emergency |
| Texas Highway Patrol / DPS (find your local office) | Via dps.texas.gov | Emergency |
| Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse (TDCJ) | 1-800-848-4284 | Emergency |
| Texas Attorney General — Crime Victims' Compensation Program | 1-800-983-9933 | Statewide |
| Texas Address Confidentiality Program (Attorney General) | Via crimevictims@oag.texas.gov | Statewide |
| Texas DPS — Victim Services | Via dps.texas.gov | Statewide |
| Texas Abuse Hotline (DFPS) | 1-800-252-5400 | Specialized |
Frequently Asked Questions — Reporting Stalking in Texas
How do I report stalking in Texas?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, file a report with your local police department or county sheriff's office — you do not have to go to the one nearest the stalker. Bring dates, messages, photos, and witness names, and ask for the complaint or case number before you leave.
What should I do first if I think I'm being stalked in Texas?
Stop engaging and start documenting. Save every message, call log, and screenshot with dates and times, and keep a written log of each incident. Then report it to local law enforcement using the contacts in this guide, and call 911 any time you are in immediate danger.
How do I get a protective order in Texas?
Stalking protective order: available to victims of stalking under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 7B, in addition to family violence protective orders. No court fees: a court cannot charge you a fee for filing, serving, or entering a protective order. Get help applying: a prosecuting attorney or a private attorney can help you apply — your county's District or County Attorney's office is a good first call.
Is there a fee to file a protective order in Texas?
No — Texas's protective-order process does not charge a filing fee, and many courts also waive related costs for stalking victims. The court listed in this guide can confirm current procedures before you file.
Can I get financial help for stalking-related costs in Texas?
Yes — Texas has a victim compensation program that may help cover medical, counseling, and lost-wage costs. Contact Texas Attorney General — Crime Victims' Compensation Program at 1-800-983-9933.
What counts as stalking under Texas law?
Stalking is a repeated pattern of unwanted conduct — following you, repeated calls, texts, or messages, showing up uninvited, tracking your location, or making threats — that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. In Texas, a protective order is generally available regardless of your relationship to the stalker.
Can I report stalking in Texas if the stalker lives in another state?
Yes. File the report where you live or where the stalking occurred. If the behavior crosses state lines, tell the officer — some cases may involve cross-jurisdiction or federal enforcement.
Can I report stalking anonymously in Texas?
You can submit tips anonymously through statewide hotlines, and many child and adult abuse hotlines accept anonymous reports. For a criminal case, your name may need to appear on the report — ask the agency about its confidentiality policy.
What evidence should I save when reporting stalking in Texas?
Save every message, email, voicemail, screenshot, and call log with dates and times; keep a written incident log; and note any witnesses. Back everything up to a secure location the stalker cannot access.
Where can I download the printable Texas reporting guide?
You can download the free Texas reporting guide as a PDF at https://www.stalking.org/Stalking.org-Reporting-to-Texas-Officials.pdf. It includes every phone number and court contact in one printable sheet.
Disclaimer
The information on Stalking.org is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, medical advice, or mental-health advice, and it does not create an attorney-client or other professional relationship. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 (United States) or your local emergency number — Stalking.org is not a crisis hotline. Laws and platform policies change frequently, so always consult a qualified attorney, law enforcement officer, or licensed professional about your specific situation.
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