Over the pat few weeks red flags, red T-shirts and posters have popped up all across campus. These items serve as visual reminders of the very real issue of relationship violence and urge anyone who witnesses a real “red flag” or warning sign in a friend or family member’s relationship to speak up.

The Red Flag Campaign, as it is known, is only one of the events on campus this October for Relationship Violence Awareness Month. The campaign was created by college students and staff and community members as a project for the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance, according to The Red Flag Campaign’s website.

The campaign encompasses relationships of all races and gender, as depicted by the poster series. The campaign is ongoing throughout the month of October.

Several other events have already occurred as part of Relationship Violence Awareness Month, including a simulation of a violent relationship from a victim’s point of view and the “Say Something” Interactive Art Project. “Say Something” invited everyone on campus to share and write responses to “red flag” dilemmas, encouraging everyone to speak up when they see or hear violence in relationships. These supportive bits of advice are displayed on the walls of The Huddle.

Another event that took place and that is repeating Oct. 25 from 11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Fondren Lawn is the Violence Against Women Around the Globe Informational Tabletop. Students, faculty and staff can learn about violence against women all over the world.

A survey will also be offered. Those who sign up will be entered to win a $50 Target gift card.

Oct. 20 is Relationship Violence Awareness Day. Everyone is encouraged to wear red to raise awareness of dating violence. You can receive a free gift for wearing red if you visit the Hilltopper Peer Health Education tabletop from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. on Ragsdale Lawn.

Another Hilltopper Peer Health Education informational tabletop will be available on Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Ragsdale Lawn. Information will be readily available on physical and emotional violence. Resources and support will also be offered for those currently facing hostility in a relationship.

The last event to occur this October is a workshop on Relationship Violence Bystander Behavior Training on Oct. 27 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in Doyle Hall, room 134. Participants will learn how to help and support loved ones in abusive relationships.

Relationship Violence Awareness Month is co-sponsored by SafePlace, the SEU Social Work Program, the Social Work Student Association and Women Empowerment.

Check out www.theredflagcampaign.org for more information. Don’t forget to “say something” if you are a victim or witness relationship violence. For those seeking immediate relief, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).