Parents and all adults who care for teens in their lives are encouraged to attend a safety class on how to recognize the signs of intimate partner violence, the significance of early action and reporting options.

Organizations across the United States recognize February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention month. To combat this form of abuse, the University of Texas Police at Houston is hosting a session of our Conflict in Relationships: Breaking the Cycle of Abuse class at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 10 at the Mid Campus Building 1, Floor 2, Room 1MC2.2460.

The class familiarizes attendees with Texas laws associated with family violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The guidance provided in the class is applicable to teen dating relationships as well as all intimate, familial or close relationships among adults. MD Anderson and UTHealth students and employees interested in attending may register through the Education Center or Learn2Succeed.

The National Institute of Justice defines domestic violence or intimate partner violence as physical, sexual or psychological harm caused by a current or former intimate partner or spouse. In contrast, healthy relationships are based on trust, open communication, mutual respect, honesty, support for one another, fairness and a good sense of humor.

Violence by an intimate partner has both immediate and long-term effects.

Research shows intimate partner violence occurs in all social, economic, religious and cultural groups. According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund, one in every three women worldwide has experienced sexual, physical, emotional or other abuse in her lifetime. In the United States, one in three women and one in four men have been victims of physical violence by an intimate partner.

In addition to physical violence, victims may also experience other types of abuse such as the threat of physical violence, yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation. It is stealing a paycheck, keeping tabs online, non-stop texting, constant use of the silent treatment, or calling someone stupid so often they believe it. If you are currently experiencing any of the abuse characteristics mentioned above and are in immediate danger, call 911.

MD Anderson and UTHealth also offers resources through their respective Employee Assistance Programs at no cost to employees and students. The MD Anderson Employee Assistance Program can be reached at 713-745-6901. UTHealth employees may submit an online contact request through the Employee Assistance Program or call 713-500-3327 for immediate assistance.

Also, if someone you know is in an abusive relationship, you may also show support by helping them identify resources for counseling, women’s shelters or support groups and validating their concerns and encouraging them to get help.

Departments or workgroups interested in hosting the Conflict in Relationships safety class, or others, can submit a request online.