Thursday was Wear Purple Day for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Thursday afternoon, RSVP – The Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention program- promoted its message around campus with puzzles, pastries, and the color purple.

Mallory Grizzle was a victim of sexual assault in high school, and that led to her decision to join RSVP. She joined after her sister became a member.

“As soon as I came to terms with what had happened I couldn’t let it go on I needed to do as much as I could,” said Grizzle.

One of RSVP’s messages is teach people about red flags – happening not only to them, but others. RSVP Coordinator, Michele Passonno says people should be on the lookout for hitting, pushing, and other physical or emotional acts. The group even designed a board where students could post different characteristics of a healthy and unhealthy relationship (pictured above).

“I think it’s important to talk about warning signs,” said Passonno.

Grizzle says RSVP will support victims of assault regardless of whether they decide to go to the police. She wants people to know they can call the RSVP hotline at anytime, and she understands why its so difficult to talk about. That hotline is (706) 542-SAFE.

-By Daniel Bignault and LaPorsche Thomas