Campus ambassadors for love is respect at Coppin State University. From left to right: Katsura Kurita, Title IX coordinator; Dr. Johnny Rice II, associate professor; and students Myla Clemons, Jaelyn Lyles, and Imani White. Also pictured is Angela Lee, director of love is respect at the National Domestic Violence Hotline

November 19, 2025 — Across two campuses in two different states — Coppin State University in Baltimore, Maryland, and Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida — a student-led initiative is increasing 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. Two events, held in mid-October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), engaged close to 400 students, faculty and community members — including representatives of the local mayors — in meaningful conversations about healthy relationships, emotional wellness, and recognizing warning signs of abuse.

 

The events were part of a collaboration between the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s (The Hotline) youth-focused program love is respect and the two universities. With 1 in 3 teens experiencing dating abuse in this country, and as many as 76% of teens reporting emotional and psychological abuse during relationships, student-led events such as these are critical.

 

“We need more events like this,” one student attendee said. “It’s not something we talk about enough, out of fear of judgment.”

 

Angela Lee, love is respect director at The Hotline, led educational presentations at each event, highlighting key elements of healthy relationships, warning signs of abuse, and practical tools for students to recognize, prevent and respond to unhealthy relationship dynamics. After the presentations, Lee and the campus ambassadors facilitated panel discussions exploring timely topics, including love versus control, navigating “situationships,” consent versus coercion, supporting others, digital abuse, emotional abuse, and recognizing red flags such as grooming, gaslighting and ghosting.

 

“Dating violence amongst our young people is a crisis in this country, and these events demonstrate the power of creating spaces where students feel seen, heard and supported,” Lee said. “We heard from students who told us, ‘I’m so glad we’re finally talking about this. People my age really need to know what real love and respect look like.’ That’s exactly why this work matters.”

 

Gatherings at both campuses featured engagement activities, networking opportunities with campus ambassadors, and resource distribution. Student engagement was exceptional, with many students expressing interest in becoming love is respect ambassadors themselves to help spread awareness across their campuses.

 

At Bethune-Cookman University, an engaging “Flag It” icebreaker invited participants to identify healthy, unhealthy and abusive behaviors using color-coded flags, sparking thoughtful conversation and powerful peer learning moments. In one notable instance, a scholar challenged the majority response, and the absence of judgment created a safe space for dialogue that left participants feeling supported and heard.

“We know that providing our students with critical information and engaging them directly in the effort to prevent relationship abuse makes a real difference,” said Dr. Kideste Yusef, director of the Center for Law and Social Justice at Bethune-Cookman University. “These events gave our students the tools they need to protect themselves and support their peers.”

 

After the event, participants reported feeling more confident in identifying red flags, understanding the nuances of consent, and supporting peers in challenging situations. Many students also noted that the discussions deepened their understanding of healthy relationship dynamics and digital boundaries. Faculty and staff members echoed these sentiments, praising the events for strengthening campus awareness of healthy relationships, support, wellness and empathy.

 

“As a leader in urban higher education, Coppin remains committed to addressing critical issues that affect our students and communities,” said Dr. Johnny Rice II, associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and a research fellow for the Bishop L. Robinson Sr. Justice Institute at Coppin State University. “Through this partnership, we are empowering our scholars to be catalysts for education, awareness and change — and these events proved just how ready our students are to lead.”

 

“Working with love is respect has not only broadened my understanding of dating abuse but has also equipped my department with valuable tools and resources to better support our students,” said Katsura Kurita, Title IX coordinator for Coppin State University.

The success of these events was made possible through the generous support of The Allstate Foundation, a longtime partner of the Hotline dedicated to disrupting the cycle and reducing the prevalence of relationship abuse.

About the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The Hotline, established in 1996, serves those affected 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 program of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the program 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

Founded in 1900, Coppin State University is a historically Black, public institution located in Baltimore, Maryland. The university serves a diverse, multicultural and multigenerational student body, offering a wide range of educational and experiential learning opportunities designed to develop leadership, social responsibility, civic engagement and community service. Committed to fostering cultural diversity, inclusivity and economic empowerment, Coppin State is dedicated to expanding access to higher education, nurturing student potential, and transforming lives through knowledge and innovation. 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 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Founded in 1904 by Mary McLeod Bethune, the university seeks 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.”