"When you see a red flag, say something." That's the motto behind the Red Flag Campaign, a public awareness campaign that, according to their website, is designed to address dating violence and promote the prevention of dating violence on college campuses. The campaign not only teaches people to have healthier relationships, it also uses the "bystander intervention" strategy, encouraging friends and other campus community members to "say something" when they see warning signs ("red flags") for dating violence in a friend's relationship.
The Red Flag Campaign has been at Longwood for several years. Longwood hosted a poster campaign in 2009, and added an awareness walk in 2010. The posters give you descriptions of a red flag situation and then there is a little talk box at the bottom that is an example of what you could say if you are in the situation.
The event is typically held in October, but it was rained out last fall. The event was moved to April. "April 5 is called the 'Day of Action,' which is why we chose this date," explained Kae Poe, assistant to the wellness coordinator. The date turned out to be another rainy day so the walk was cancelled, but several students and Madeline's House representatives spoke and Ashley "HoopGirl" Russell also performed during the event.
Students are encouraged to visit the Red Flag Campaign website to get more information. "I feel like there are a lot of cases of domestic violence and relationship abuse, not just physical but emotional and mental that go unnoticed and are simply explained away without even being dealt with in the proper channels," said Poe. Poe added if students are not comfortable talking face-to-face, there are many great places to turn to. "There are many different outlets you can use to make sure you feel comfortable getting more information and getting the help that you need," said Poe.
For people who feel like they are trapped in an unhealthy relationship, both Poe and Student Health and Wellness Intern Alexa Oswald encourage them to seek help. "[You] are never stuck. You might feel like you are stuck, but there are so many outlets," explained Oswald.
People who feel responsible for their abuse can also turn to the Red Flag Campaign for help. "Never ever blame yourself. That's something I struggled with. I thought it was all my fault that I let him take advantage of me. It's not the case. It was not the case," said Oswald, who shared her experience at the Red Flag Campaign event.
The issues tackled in the Red Flag Campaign include emotional abuse, cohesion, excessive jealousy, isolation, sexual assault, victim blaming and stalking. Although the campaign is about dating violence, these issues come up in friendships and other relationships as well. Signs of a healthy relationship include communication trust, connection, balance, safety and boundaries. Even students who have not been individually impacted by these issues are encouraged to get involved.
"Everyone has friends. You will know it when you see it. When you have a friend with a significant other who's pressuring them, that is nasty to them, who is putting their hands on them in not right ways, you know it. You should feel comfortable enough to speak out on your friend's behalf," said Oswald. "We always want to say it with love and kindness and respect so that they understand that we are there to help," said Poe.
"None of us are excused from relationship violence. Things happen. We never know who they happen to or when they are going to happen. If we can do our best to be informed and aware then I think we have a better chance at confronting the issues, surviving through them and participating in healthy relationships," said Wellness Coordinator Sasha Trent in an interview about the Red Flag Campaign last year. Visit redflagcampaign.org to receive more information.
Despite the cancellation of the walk due to rain, Ashley "HoopGirl" Russell came out to perform at the Red Flag event.
