MADISON, N.J. (Aug. 24, 2015) – Drew University student-athletes were the first to take the Yellow Card Team Challenge to help spread awareness of the mission to end dating violence and promote a culture of safety and respect.
 
As part of the yearly NCAA preseason meeting, the Rangers heard a presentation by the No2DatingAbuse program highlighting the warning signs of an abusive relationship and ways everyone can get involved to protect victims. The Yellow Card Challenge – fashioned from the violation warning from the soccer, field hockey and lacrosse fields – is a pledge to take a stand, serve as a model of a healthy relationship, and to show concern for peers.
 
Drew Dean of Students Frank Merckx was proud to bring the Jersey Battered Women's Service (JBWS) to campus and to have the Rangers participate as the first collegiate athletes in the Yellow Card Team Challenge.
 
""It was great to have the staff of JBWS and the Yellow Card campaign on campus," Merckx said. "Drew and JBWS have a longstanding and positive relationship, and the campaign fit in perfectly with what Drew Athletics works hard to do; creating highly educated athletes. Our current students are at the forefront of confronting and changing the culture of dating violence, and learning how to recognize and address behavior they may see."
 
The Yellow Card Challenge is calling student-athletes to step up as leaders in the fight against dating abuse. Physical violence, emotional control and sexual pressure are forms of abuse that no one should have to face. Athletes are leaders among peers. They strive for excellence on the field and the Challenge urges you to do the same off of it.
 
The Rangers formed a line to sign a Yellow Card Challenge poster board in recognition of the pledge they took to help end dating violence. The pledge read as follows:
 
TAKE A STAND against dating violence. Don't accept the use of violence in relationships or the need to control.
 
MODEL healthy relationships. Live up to the mantra yourself and show respect.
 
PROMOTE a culture of safety and respect. Recognize warning signs of abuse and show concern for friends involved.
 
For more information and resources, visit no2datingabuse.org. No2DatingAbuse™ is a program sponsored by Jersey Battered Women's Service. Established in the 1980s, under the name of Dating Abuse Prevention Program, the No2DatingAbuse™ program was one of the first of a handful in the country to begin offering high-school presentations and counseling services specifically on dating abuse.