Students gathered in the atrium of UF’s Ustler Hall on Monday at 8 p.m. for a presentation on LGBT intimate partner violence.
Intimate partner violence involves one partner who is exerting power and control over another.
The event was coordinated by Pride Student Union and a UF LGBT Affairs ambassador, Mirella Flores, a 20-year-old UF psychology senior.
While the LGBT community was acknowledged during the presentation, this form of violence occurs with the same frequency as in heterosexual relationships.
Intimate partner violence occurs in about 33 percent of all intimate relationships, according to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs.
The audience was asked to fill out surveys concerning its exposure to violence and abuse. Two-thirds of the audience answered “yes” to: Do you know someone who has been physically, emotionally or sexually harmed by his or her partner?
Flores invited representatives from Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network Inc., and Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center to inform students about the dangers of intimate partner violence.
Juan Camargo said he hadn’t known the extent of help available to victims.
“I feel more equipped to help any friends who might be suffering with partner violence,” said the 21-year-old UF civil engineering junior.
