Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced plans Wednesday at the NIU Center for the Study of Family Violence and Sexual Assault to help educate students about abuse by placing information posters in strategic areas on college campuses.

“Our goal is to let college students know that verbal abuse is not acceptable,” Madigan said. “It is harmful in itself and can lead to physical or sexual abuse that can scar young women far beyond their college years.”

More than 25 people came to see Madigan speak about the new campaign – which is aimed to inform students of the dangers of any abuse.

“Students must learn now how to recognize abusive behavior and how to protect themselves – whether they are on a date or walking home after a late-night party,” Madigan said.

Voices for Change is a group of NIU programs geared toward helping those victimized by abuse.

“The awareness campaign is an exceptional opportunity to encourage more students to learn about partner abuse by attending our Voices for Change workshops sponsored by the Counseling Center so that they have the tools to recognize unhealthy relationships and stop abuse,” said Kathy Hotelling, director of the NIU Counseling and Student Development Center.

The posters will be placed in high-student traffic areas, like residence halls, Greek houses and classrooms. More than 6,000 posters were printed by Verizon Wireless, who is partnering in the campaign.

DeKalb County State’s Attorney Ron Matekaitis spoke about local law enforcement’s role in aiding victims of abuse.

Matekaitis’ goal is to help victims without “revictimizing” them during prosecution.

NIU President John Peters, who spoke briefly about the program, said that abuse is “one of the most pervasive problems in society.”

The posters will feature common phrases that are associated with verbal abuse.

Between 20 and 25 percent of all college women will be raped at least once during college, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.