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Red Flags Encourage Students to “Say Something”
Red Flags Encourage Students to “Say Something”
This week-long event provides educational and awareness activities geared around relationship crisis, abuse and violence.
By Kelly Brennan ’13 | October 20, 2009
This October students, faculty and staff at Virginia Wesleyan put down the Halloween decorations and picked up red flags in support of the Red Flag Campaign.
The Red Flag Campaign is the first statewide awareness campaign aimed at addressing and preventing dating violence on Virginia’s college campuses. The Campaign’s goal is to teach students how to pick up on “red flags” in relationships such as emotional abuse, sexual assault and excessive jealousy, and encourages friends/peers to “say something.”
The week-long event, Oct. 19-23, began with hundreds of red flags strategically placed around campus. Flags were set up overnight by students so when peers awoke, the Virginia Wesleyan campus would be abuzz with questions.
“I want students to say something. If they’re in a relationship, or know a student and see a red flag, I want them to know what to do or who to go to for help.” – Kristen WhalenThe week continues with posters from the Red Flag Campaign being placed around campus buildings, as well as an informational table in the Jane P. Batten Student Center focusing on relationships, relationship crisis and relationship abuse.
“I want students to say something,” said Associate Dean of Students and Director of Student Activities Kristen Whalen. “If they’re in a relationship, or know a student and see a red flag, I want them to know what to do or who to go to for help.”
Students involved with the Red Flag Campaign will also be conducting a poster contest and a “perfect date” essay contest, describing their idea of a perfect date. The winner will receive a $50 gift card to Cheesecake Factory to put their “perfect date” into action.
The week concludes on Friday with a reception in the Pearce Hospitality Suite at which awards for the “perfect date” and poster/sheet contest will be given out. Special Assistant to the President Dr. Kate Loring, whose daughter was a victim of relationship violence, will share her story.
More than 35 student leaders helping with the Campaign believe it’s important for their peers to become aware of dating violence signs.
“Everyone has been affected by relationship abuse in some way, whether personally or someone they know,” said Janay Beverly ’11, a member of the Campaign from Chesapeake, Va. “It's important for students to know the different ways in which these issues can occur and how to help stop the cycle.”
The Red Flag Campaign is a project of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance and was created thanks to the generous support of the Verizon Foundation.