Prevention in Focus: UT Police Highlights Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month
April 02, 2026
Every day, health care professionals across UT MD Anderson and UTHealth Houston focus on delivering exceptional care. Ensuring their safety — both physical and psychological — is just as essential. During Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month, UT Police is spotlighting how a respectful, secure work environment relies on strong workplace violence prevention practices.
The Workplace Violence Prevention Program (WPVP), operationally stewarded by UT Police, aligns with Texas Senate Bill 240 and The Joint Commission’s workplace safety standards. The program emphasizes awareness, prevention, intervention, and mitigation strategies designed to protect the community.
“Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month is our opportunity to stop, refocus and put safety front and center,” said Marvin Radford, director of Workplace Violence Prevention. “Prevention starts with awareness, education and taking action early before situations escalate.”
Bringing Prevention to Life
That message came to life at two recent resource fairs, where the WPVP Team hosted an interactive booth focused on helping employees better understand UT MD Anderson’s Workplace Violence Prevention Policy. More than 350 staff members stopped by to ask questions and learn about reporting expectations and early intervention strategies. To keep prevention top of mind beyond the event, individuals who visited the booth received badge inserts highlighting key warning signs of workplace violence and clear, step-by-step guidance on how to report concerns.
These outreach efforts are especially important in health care settings. National data shows that health care workers are up to five times more likely to experience workplace violence than individuals in other professions, underscoring the need for ongoing awareness and engagement.
“This month shines a spotlight on a reality our workforce faces every day,” Radford said. “By normalizing conversations around workplace violence, we empower employees to recognize risks and take action to protect themselves and others.”
Reporting Workplace Violence
Awareness turns into prevention when employees feel empowered to speak up. One message is key: If you see something, say something.
“Every report matters,” Radford said. “When employees speak up about concerning behaviors, they help safeguard their colleagues, patients and visitors.”
Reports of workplace violence concerns may be made to 713-792-STOP (713-792-7867), a confidential reporting line used to document workplace violence incidents and concerning behaviors. Employees are reminded that the confidential reporting line represents both a phone number and dedicated UT MD Anderson and UTHealth Houston committees that review reports, coordinate responses and ensure appropriate follow-up.
“We want employees to activate the resources and mechanisms we have here to protect us all,” Radford said. “Calling 2-STOP/STOP with your concerns ensures that the right professionals can handle the concern thoughtfully, confidentially and with accountability.”
In addition, calls placed to the division’s Risk Operations Center (713-792-2890) with a workplace violence nexus also are collaboratively reviewed by the WPV Team and the 2-STOP/STOP committee.
Workplace Violence Prevention Training
Training remains a cornerstone of prevention efforts. The WPVP Team offers Non-Escalation, De-Escalation and Crisis Management, as well as CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention courses. These trainings equip employees with practical skills to anticipate conflict, manage challenging behaviors and safely interact with individuals experiencing cognitive challenges or mental illness.
In addition, all UT MD Anderson employees must complete workplace violence prevention training each spring as part of Institutional Mandatory Training.
“Awareness is reinforced through training,” Radford said. “When employees are equipped with practical skills, they’re better prepared to respond safely and confidently.”
A Collaborative Approach to Prevention
The Workplace Violence Prevention Program is strengthened by the WPVP Partnership Council, a multidisciplinary team of employees who help advance prevention strategies, review policies, strengthen training and serve as ambassadors for workplace safety within their divisions.
Employees will have several opportunities to connect with the WPVP Team during Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month, including:
- April 8, noon–3 p.m., 1MC lobby, 3rd floor
- April 22, noon–3 p.m., Pickens Skybridge
- April 30, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Health and Safety Fair, CPB Ballroom, 8th floor
Educational content will also be shared throughout April on UT Police social media channels.
Employees are reminded to call 911 in emergencies. On-campus incidents can be reported to UT Police at 713-792-2890, and workplace violence or concerning behaviors should be reported to 2-STOP (713-792-7867). All reports are handled confidentially.
“Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month reinforces a simple but powerful message,” Radford said. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and prevention begins with awareness.”