"Im Looking for an OBAMA"

What do you get when T.R.U.S.T. partners up with the men of 3D? Just in time for Valentines Day the Old Dominion University campus organization T.R.U.S.T and the 3D members discuss relationships and dating. What are you looking for? College students face many different tasks and decisions every day. Relationships, friendships, and bonds are created aside from school work and many times there is no one to define how to manage all of these tasks. In relationships there are issues of physical, mental, and emotional abuse and it is very prominent among college students. Being away from home gives a new found "freedom" that can be used to grow; however, without family and loved ones around it can be difficult to shield students from bad decisions.

According to www.itsabuse.com 32%of college students have reported abuse by a former partner and 21% reported dating violence by a current partner. That is only the students who actually stand up and report the abuse, there are many students who are afraid to report abuse in relationships; therefore, a great number of students may not be counted for.


T.R.U.S.T. and the men of 3D are determined to bring issues of abuse and difficult relationships to the forefront and also give students tools to what a "healthy relationship" entails. Using President Obama and First lady Michelle Obama's public marriage, they posed several questions to the audience and probed for answers on thoughts and experiences! It was a POWERFUL discussion that led to many observations and action to eliminate uncertainties in bad relationships. These organizations are providing outlets by increasing awareness of relationship abuse and reaching out to make the campus better.

Most colleges have centers and organizations that help students with abusive relationships. If there is no where on campus to report the abuse or receive counseling there are numerous community organizations and non profits who are experts on the subject. Old Dominion University's Student Affairs Office of Counseling Services offer free help and counseling to those ODU students dealing with difficult relationships . Community organizations like ywca of South Hampton Roads has several avenues of contact beginning with the website, and 24/7 Domestic Violence Helpline (757)625-5570.

The T.R.U.S.T organization and the men of 3D are essential to Old Dominion University campus by providing programs like "Im looking for an OBAMA" to help students discuss and evaluate issues and life experiences of college students. The event was extremely beneficial and successful. Campus organizations are doing a great job working together with the community to eradicate issues like relationship violence. Remember.....NO ONE DESERVES TO BE A VICTIM OF RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE!