Abstract
This mixed-methods study examined college students’ ability to recognize red flags of physical, emotional, and digital abuse in romantic relationships and their awareness of campus resources. Twenty college students in Northern California completed an anonymous online survey that included both structured quantitative items and open-ended qualitative questions. Quantitative findings revealed that overt physical aggression, such as behaviors of hitting or grabbing, was widely recognized as abusive, while subtler behaviors, such as isolation or playful restraint, were often minimized. Emotional abuse indicators, including gaslighting and guilt-tripping, were inconsistently identified, and digital abuse, such as location tracking and password demands, was frequently normalized as care or trust. Qualitative analysis highlighted recurring themes of digital surveillance, psychological manipulation, jealousy, and coercive control, bringing attention to the complexity of modern relationship dynamics. Gender patterns suggested that men and non-binary participants were less likely to seek help, reflecting broader societal stigmas. These findings indicate significant educational gaps in recognizing non-physical abuse and emphasize the need for comprehensive, trauma-informed prevention programs that address emotional literacy, digital boundaries, and cultural stereotypes. Recommendations include integrating relationship education into college curricula and strengthening campus resources to foster safer environments.