Red Flags: Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

Students write warnings on red flags at Title IX Red Flag Campaign Event. Source: Kelly Yough, Director of Equity and Title IX Coordinator

The Red Flag Campaign event was held on Nov 2 and co-sponsored by Title IX, Student-Athlete Enhancement, and It’s On Us.

“Red Flags” refer to potential warning signs of an unhealthy relationship, and the campaign uses a bystander intervention strategy to encourage the community to speak up when they see Red Flags. The campaign is a project of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance. Further information on the campaign can be found at www.theredflagcampaign.org.

At the event, roughly 175 members of the Marist community signed a “Red Flag,” writing a warning sign of an unhealthy relationship. These Red Flags are displayed outside of the Student Center to represent the fact that 1 in 5 college students experience dating violence.

Students are noticing the increased presence of the Title IX office this year.

Austin Frank ‘24 said he believes that “the Title IX office is more visible this year than previous years due to heavy social media emphasis.”

Frank also noted that the SGA Wellness Committee has “made efforts to repost Title IX resources on their Instagram account and inform the student body of any new changes.” This improved utilization of social media has increased student awareness of the resources available to them and allowed the Title IX office to communicate how students can help themselves and their peers.

Kelly Yough, Director of Equity and Title IX Coordinator, said, “Many times, people don’t realize what they are experiencing in a relationship is unhealthy until a friend points it out and offers support. It was wonderful to see so many Marist students supporting the campaign and really understanding what the warning signs can be, so hopefully, they can help someone in need.”

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to Title IX at TitleIX@marist.edu, the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or text “Start” to 88799, or locally to Grace Smith House (845) 471-3033.