September 15, 2025– The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) and it’s youth focused program love is respect is proud to announce a student-led initiative in collaboration with Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Launched earlier this school year, this pilot program engages student ambassadors at these two HBCU campuses to increase awareness, education and access to support for students wanting to learn more about healthy relationships, preventing dating abuse and how to support those experiencing abuse. One in three teens will experience dating abuse in this country, and as many as 76% of teens report emotional and psychological abuse during relationships.

“Dating violence amongst our young people is a crisis in this country and we must do more to educate and equip youth, especially those on college campuses, with the information and tools they need to have healthy relationships that are free from abuse. The awareness of dating abuse among teens and young adults is still lacking— every day we hear from teens who receive little to no education on dating abuse, whose experiences are not validated, and who aren’t aware of the resources available to them”, Angela Lee, love is respect Director.

The initiative includes training, workshops, distribution of awareness materials on campus, and will culminate with two on-campus activation events during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)— at Coppin State University on October 7th and at Bethune-Cookman on October 15th. These DVAM events will be a time of connection, prevention education, and empowerment for students.

“We know that providing our students with critical information and engaging them directly in the effort to prevent relationship abuse will make a difference at our university. Every student deserves a life free from abuse— this program provides them with the tools they need to protect themselves and their fellow students”, Dr. Kideste Yusef Director, Center for Law & Social Justice Bethune-Cookman University.

“As a leader in urban higher education, Coppin remains committed to leading from the front in addressing critical issues that affect our students and communities, such as healthy relationships and dating violence,” Dr. Johnny Rice II, Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Research Fellow for the Bishop L. Robinson Sr. Justice Institute. “Through this partnership, we are empowering our scholars to be catalysts for education, awareness, and change”.

###

About the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) established in 1996, serves those impacted by relationship abuse in the U.S. 24/7 with free and confidential live services provided via phone, chat, and text. The Hotline envisions a world where all relationships are positive, healthy, and free from violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse in any form, help is available — text START to 88788, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or chat online at TheHotline.org. You are not alone.

About love is respect, a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, was launched in February 2007 as love is respect and the National Dating Abuse Helpline, serving all of the United States and its territories. We are the only 24/7/365 resource for teens experiencing dating violence and relationship abuse. www.loveisrespect.org

About Coppin State University

Coppin State University, a Historically Black University (HBCU) founded in 1900, in Baltimore, Maryland, serves a multicultural and multigenerational student population. Coppin State provides educational and experiential learning opportunities that foster leadership, social responsibility, civic and community engagement, cultural diversity, inclusivity, and economic development. Learn more at www.coppin.edu.

About Bethune-Cookman University

Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU), a private, historically Black university affiliated with the United Methodist Church, is located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Founded in 1904 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the university’s mission is to develop global leaders who are committed to service, lifelong learning, and diversity. B-CU is dedicated to providing a faith-based environment of academic excellence and transformative experiences that nurture the mind, heart, and hand in the spirit of its founder’s motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve”.