Several agencies are joining forces Tuesday to host a talk by author Jill Murray, who will speak at Slippery Rock University on teen dating abuse.

The talk will be hosted by State Rep. Frank LaGrotta, D-10th, along with Sprint and the Crisis Center of Lawrence County.

Murray has appeared on "Oprah," "Good Morning, America" and "20/20," educating the public on domestic violence, teen dating abuse and destructive relationships. She has written several books on the subject, including the upcoming release, "But He Never Hit Me."

According to Murray, "Abusive dating relationships are at an epidemic rate with far-reaching implications for further violence both personally and in society at large. The culture teens are now living in make these relationships appear to be normal. One in three girls and one in five boys will be in a physically abusive relationship by the time they graduate from high school."

Murray said she believes many causes contribute to a lack of respect among young people.

"The current 'MTV' culture that children are bombarded with makes the development of healthy, respectful relationships difficult with parents, teachers, friends and in dating relationships. Adults living and working with kids can help combat the effects of the media if they know some simple rules," she said.

"I became interested in this line of psychotherapy when I was interning for a domestic violence shelter, with which I am still affiliated," she added.

"What I found in the more than 300 women I counseled was that every one of them began her abusive relationships - not counting those who came from abusive homes, and even then, all of them as well - when she was between the ages of 13 and 15. I felt that I could prevent adult domestic violence if I spoke with teens about their dating relationships," she added.

While SRU is lending support by providing a location for the talk, members of the Bridge project on campus have also been promoting the event to students.

A joint venture between the university and the Victim Outreach Intervention Center in Butler County, Bridge has been operating since October 2001 as part of the division of Student Life in the women's center on campus.

Since that time the project has received more than $200,000 in grant money from the U.S. Department of Justice.

"It was a perfect match for us," said Karla Fonner, coordinator of Bridge, which provides education, advocacy and victim services on campus. "Anything that generates awareness I think is very important."

As part of her talk, Murray will address key issues of identifying unhealthy relationships and tips on how to build relationships that are healthy and mutually satisfying.

"Many, if not most adults have been in dozens of unhealthy relationships - with family members, in the workplace, with children, friends and romantic partners," she said.

The event is free and open to the public.