Relationship Violence

Relationship violence is not always physical. Abuse can take many forms and often involves behaviors intended to gain power, control, intimidate, or isolate another person. Recognizing these patterns can help you identify unhealthy or abusive behaviors in your own relationship or in the relationship of someone you care about.

Signs of relationship violence may include:

• Controlling behaviors — controlling who you spend time with, where you go, what you wear, or how you make decisions.
• Isolation — discouraging or preventing you from spending time with friends, family, or people who support you.
• Excessive monitoring — checking your phone, reading messages, tracking your location, demanding passwords, or constantly needing to know where you are.
• Emotional or psychological abuse — name-calling, humiliation, manipulation, blaming, or behaviors that make you feel afraid, powerless, or diminished.
• Threats and intimidation — threatening to harm you, themselves, others, pets, or using actions, objects, or weapons to create fear.
• Physical abuse — hitting, pushing, grabbing, restraining, strangling, or any unwanted physical contact intended to cause harm.
• Sexual abuse or coercion — forcing, pressuring, or manipulating someone into sexual activity without their consent.
• Financial control — restricting access to money, preventing employment, or using finances to create dependence.
• Reproductive coercion — interfering with birth control, pregnancy decisions, or reproductive choices.

Abusive relationships often involve a pattern of behaviors designed to establish and maintain power and control. The Power and Control Wheel is a tool that can help identify these patterns and better understand the different ways abuse may occur.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these behaviors, support is available. You do not have to navigate this alone.

Every person's situation is different, and there is no "right" way to respond to relationship violence. Whether you choose to report to law enforcement, pursue university resources, or simply want to talk through your options, Victim Services is here to provide information, support, and guidance. Our services are free and available regardless of whether you decide to make a police report.

Victim Services can assist with:

Emotional Support & Crisis Intervention

• Helping individuals process their emotions and regain a sense of safety and control following a traumatic experience.

Safety Planning

• Develop a personalized safety plan for home, work, campus, and online.
• Coordinate campus safety planning related to housing, classrooms, parking, transportation, and other university locations.

Understanding Your Options

• Explain the criminal justice process, victim rights, and what to expect if you choose to make a report.
• Explain the Title IX process, supportive measures, and other university reporting options.

Protective Measures

• Provide information about Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs), Temporary Ex Parte Orders, and Protective Orders.
• Explain Criminal Trespass Warnings and other campus safety measures.

Practical Assistance

• Explain Lease Termination protections available under Texas law.
• Coordinate emergency housing resources when available.

Referrals & Advocacy

• Connect you with medical care, counseling, legal services, financial assistance, community agencies, and other resources based on your needs.

Whether the violence occurred recently or in the past, you do not have to face it alone. Victim Services is committed to helping you understand your options, increase your safety, and connect you with the resources that best meet your needs.

If you are experiencing relationship violence, your safety is the priority. Every situation is unique. The following information provides general safety considerations and may not be appropriate for every circumstance. Victim Services can work with you to develop a personalized safety plan based on your needs.

If You Are in Immediate Danger

• Call 911 if you believe you are in immediate danger.
• If possible, move to a safe location away from weapons or areas where you could become trapped.
• Trust your instincts. If you believe your safety is at risk, leave the situation if you can do so safely.

If You Are Preparing to Leave

• Tell someone you trust about your plans.
• Keep important documents, medications, keys, and other essentials in an accessible location.
• Consider identifying a safe place to go if you need to leave quickly.
• Leaving an abusive relationship can be one of the highest-risk times. Consider speaking with Victim Services before leaving to discuss ways to increase your safety.

On Campus

• Consider downloading the LiveSafe app to quickly contact campus resources or request assistance.
• Consider coordinating with friends/classmates if you do not feel safe walking on campus.
• Consider varying your routine and travel routes if you are concerned someone may be following or monitoring you.
• Talk with Victim Services about campus safety measures, housing concerns, academic accommodations, or other resources that may be available.

After Leaving

• Save threatening messages, emails, or voicemails if it is safe to do so.
• Review your privacy settings and consider changing passwords if someone has access to your accounts.
• Consider whether a Protective Order or Criminal Trespass Warning may be appropriate based on your situation.
• Continue to trust your instincts and report any new threats or concerning behavior to law enforcement.

If someone you care about may be experiencing relationship violence, your support can make a meaningful difference. Every person's situation is unique, and leaving an abusive relationship can be difficult and, in some cases, dangerous.

• Listen without judgment and believe what they share.
• Respect their decisions and avoid pressuring them to leave or report the abuse.
• Ask how you can support them rather than assuming what they need.
• Encourage them to speak with Victim Services or another trusted resource to learn about their options.
• Help them develop a safety plan if they choose, but remember that their safety and decisions should guide the process.
• Continue checking in and reminding them they are not alone.