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October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. To bring attention to this issue, the Women’s Leadership Project is again bringing The Red Flag Campaign to Fort Hays State University.

This is a public awareness campaign designed to address domestic and dating violence and promote its prevention on college campuses. The campaign was created using a “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.

Research indicates that abuse occurs in 21 percent of college dating relationships. Fifty-eight percent of college students say they don’t know how to help someone who is a victim of dating abuse, and 38 percent of college students say they would not know where to get help. (2011 College Dating Violence and Abuse)

Throughout the month of October, red flags will be visible on the grounds of the university to remind everyone to address “red flags” they may see with friends, family, or personally. Additionally, WLP will host several events to bring awareness to this important cause.

The Women’s Leadership Project will kick off the campaign by speaking to all freshmen classes on Sept. 30, Oct. 1 and 4. The Women’s Leadership Project will be partnering with the Campus Men’s Action Network for the film screening of The Mask You Live In on Oct. 5 at 7pm. This film addresses the impact our “narrow definition” of masculinity has on boys, men, and society.

A Times Talk will be held Oct. 7. On Oct. 28 at 4:30 pm, Panhellenic, SGA and WLP will host a Silent No More Awareness walk. In addition to these events, watch for The Red Flag Campaign at multiple men’s and women’s athletic events.

For more information regarding the Red Flag Campaign, or what you can do if you see relationship red flags, contact the Women’s Leadership Project at [email protected] or (785) 628-4312.