Jealousy, isolation, emotional abuse, stalking, possessiveness – these are just a few of the red flags that can lead to dating violence.
Recently, more than 800 red flags were installed throughout the Bridgewater State University campus to shed light on these warning signs.
The Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support Center (SVAS) set up the flags as part of the national Red Flag Campaign.
This is the third year SVAS has brought the campaign to BSU.
The Red Flag Campaign uses a bystander-intervention strategy to address and prevent sexual assault, dating violence and talking, specifically on college campuses.
“Like all colleges, we are not immune to this issue. We want to be aware as a campus community and not only talk about this issue but also let people know we have supports in place, that Bridgewater cares and wants the campus community to be safe,” said Christy Osborne, SVAS outreach coordinator.
Often when people witness red flags they don’t speak up, she said.
“What happens between two people is not my business,” is often the sentiment of bystanders.
Osborne said it’s important to be vocal because it could save a life.
“This really is a community approach. If you see something, you say something, don’t just let it slide,” she said.
Students are encouraged to participate in the poster campaign. Those interested can reach out to the SVAS center to pick up a poster to decorate that carries the pledge, declaring that if you see something you will speak up.
During the month-long campaign SVAS is also hosting the following events.
-Monday, Feb. 11, “Dating Violence” Spin the Wheel Table in the East Campus Commons from 10a.m.-1p.m. (co-sponsored with Alpha Kappa Alpha)
-Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 6-8p.m., “One Love” Escalation Film and Workshop in Dunn A. (co-sponsored with Alpha Kappa Alpha)
-Tuesday, Feb. 19, 4-6p.m. Film screening of “I am Jane Doe” Library Heritage Room, 103.
-Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2-3p.m. From Surviving to Thriving: Survivor Storyteller Series, Library Heritage Room 103. (Story by Heather Harris Michonski, Photos by Carl Hollant, University News and VIdeo)