We are a community of Hokies, and it is our responsibility to stop violence and abuse of any kind. These groups have all pledged to say something when they see relationship red flags. If you see a red flag in your friend’s relationship, are you going to turn away? Or are you going to say something?

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This month, the Red Flag Campaign returns to our campus. This campaign marks the first statewide public awareness effort aimed at stopping relationship violence on college campuses in Virginia. The goal of the campaign is to encourage us all to speak up when we see red flags (or warning signs for potential abusive or unhealthy behaviors) in our friends' relationships.

Think about it. What is your responsibility as a friend? Is it to protect the “privacy” of your friend who is possibly being abused? Is it to defend another friend’s behavior, even though it could be abusive or violent?

Yes, sometimes we may feel pressure not to air a friend’s business or to minimize what’s going on. But please consider that relationship violence is not a “personal issue” and it is not something to be kept private. Relationship violence is a community issue…and sometimes a criminal one.

Research indicates that in 21% of college dating relationships, one of the partners is being abused. That’s 1 in 5 relationships.

So, if you want to know how to help a friend when it comes to relationship violence, here are some ideas.

Don’t assume that it doesn’t happen at Virginia Tech. It does.

Don’t assume that just because your friend doesn’t ask for help, she or he doesn’t want or need help.

Don’t assume that just because you don’t see evidence of physical abuse, what is happening in your friends emotionally abusive relationship isn’t damaging…whether spiritually, emotionally, physically, or sexually.

Pay attention to red flags, and trust your instincts. If you see something in your friend’s relationship what makes you feel uneasy, something you can’t quite put your finger on…say something. Tell you friend what you’ve noticed and ask if there’s anything you can do to help.

Find out more at www.TheRedFlagCompaign.org.

 

 

Grant statement: This project was supported by grant # 2005-WA-AX-0020 awarded by the Violence Against Women Office, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of View in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

 

 

Last updated 10/27/2009