Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. Ted Poe

Mr. Speaker, in February 2010, 23 year old Alissa Blanton was shot and killed by her stalker.

He began harassing her two years earlier when she worked as a waitress.

The situation became so severe that Alissa had to quit her job in order to get away from this customer who would not leave her alone.

Even after changing jobs, moving twice, and getting married, she was still followed and sent threatening emails and letters.

She was murdered in front of her husband two weeks after being denied a protective order.

Sadly, this story of constant harassment and stalking is not infrequent in our society.

One in six women is stalked in her lifetime.

If the perpetrator is not stopped, these situations can lead to murder.

January marked National Stalking Awareness Month.

We remember those affected and recognize the importance of becoming more aware of this crime in order to protect ourselves and those around us.

And that's just the way it is.