Relationships might prove to be fairly difficult at times for either party. Trust issues, domestic abuse or untrustworthiness are just a few things that can break a relationship down overtime.

Those problems and other issues surrounding the human connection were part of Oklahoma City Community College’s latest Title IX Education Series event. The workshop, held on Feb. 14, covered the topic of healthy relationships, how to maintain them and what the roadblocks are.

Robin McMurry, a volunteer nurse at the Baptist Mission, the Baptist Children’s Home, the American Red Cross, and a Professor of Nursing at OCCC said she once told a victim of domestic violence, “If you do not leave this relationship now, you will die. ”

McMurry said the victim was being treated for strangulation.

McMurry has worked with many victims of with sexual assault. She discussed the different levels of relationships she has encountered while in her profession, including how to spot red flags in a relationship that can lead to abuse.

The entire panel agreed that building the foundation of a healthy relationship requires active listening, natural communication and respect. The dichotomy of healthy vs unhealthy relationships is based on equality and respect, rather than power and control. How controlling behavior goes beyond physical abuse and can come down to respecting each other with your verbal interactions.

Other members of the panel included Regina Switzer, Director of Equal Opportunities; Steven Swinford, Training and Community Liaison Officer; and Janey Wheeler an OCCC counselor.

The next Title IX discussion, “Locker Room Talk,” is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. February 28th in CU2.