The Relationship Awareness and Empowerment (RAE) task force is dedicated to bringing a ray of light, hope, and truth to all Marywood students in relationships.

The RAE task force, comprised of students, staff and faculty, work to raise awareness on healthy and unhealthy relationships, violence, and sexual assaults. They also educate students about how to intervene and stop violence.

“The world is trained to be passive when it comes to the business of other people and even their friends, so it’s really empowering for people to know that they can help, and they can really make a difference,” said Barbra Decker, Associate Director of the Counseling Center and a chairperson for RAE.

According to the College Dating Violence and Abuse Poll, a study conducted in 2011 by breakthecycle.org:

• 43 percent of college women dating or in a relationship reported experiencing violent and abusive dating behaviors.
• 52 percent of college women reported knowing someone who has experienced violent and abusive dating behaviors.
• 57 percent of college students who have been in an abusive relationship said it happened in college.
• 58 percent of college students said they wouldn’t know how to help someone who is a victim of dating abuse.
• 38 percent of college students said they wouldn’t know how to get help for themselves on campus if they were a victim of dating abuse.

“I feel as it is vitally important to have an organization like RAE on campus.” said Edward McNichols, graduate assistant in the Counseling Center. “RAE not only provides great educational programming to our students, it also allows an outlet for the many students on campus who share a passion for promoting healthy relationships and taking a stand against interpersonal violence.”

The Relationship Awareness and Empowerment task force will hold their next meeting Wed. Oct. 30th at12pm in the Counseling Center.   You can also visit their Facebook page for more information and upcoming events.

“It is important for all types of students to be aware of the power that they have to influence others in maintaining and promoting a safe environment for themselves, their friends, and the greater community. RAE hopes to engage all types of students because we all have a stake in this university and this community,” concluded McNichols.