A campaign bringing together two campus partners at Queen’s is aiming to raise awareness on dating violence.

The sixth annual Red Flag Campaign is a partnership in the Division of Student Affairs between Athletics and Recreation and Health Promotion in Student Wellness Services.

“Visitors to the ARC were encouraged to view the large display on our second floor,” says James Ligthart, Athletics and Recreation. “Our hope is that this campaign will help individuals identify ‘red flags’ for dating violence in their own and their friends’ relationships, and encourage them to speak up.”

“By promoting the Red Flag Campaign in busy campus buildings, like the JDUC and the ARC, we are working to reach as many students as possible and add another layer on to what being healthy means to them,” says Kate Humphrys, Health Promotion Coordinator, Student Wellness Services. “Understanding what a healthy relationship looks like, as well as warning signs for an unhealthy relationship, can empower students to say something about red flags for dating violence.”

Peer health educators participate in the campaign by advocating for students to ‘say something.’

“This campaign really focusses on the bystander component – identifying healthy and unhealthy relationships in both your own and in other people’s relationships,” says Kiira Kaarid (ArtSci’17), Sexual Health and Topics Team Leader, Health Promotion. “All students have the ability to look out for each other's safety on our campus. Whether it's increasing awareness, eliminating stigma, walking a friend home, or speaking up.”

The social media component of the campaign continues to grow. AMS clubs, student groups, and faculty groups posted the Red Flag cover photo on Facebook, to help reach as many students as possible.

Learn more at Red Flag Campaign. For support and help regarding a relationship, students can contact Student Wellness Services or call 613-533-6000, ext. 78264. If you have experienced sexual violence, contact Barb Lotan, the Queen’s University Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Coordinator.