As students have returned to campus, we have entered into a time span referred to as the "red zone," which is the period between the first day of school and Thanksgiving break. The term "red zone" was coined by experts after research conducted concluded that 50% of all on-campus sexual assaults occur within this period (2019, Higher Ed).
A studen't's first semester in college is where they have a statistically increased chance of being sexually assaulted. A Department of Justice study on nine colleges found that 629 assaults had been reported among first year students in September and October. This was more than the next four months combined with a total of 521 assaults (Me Too Movement), not to mention that 90% of college students do not report incidents of assault (University of Texas Austin). First year students and transfer students are particularly vulnerable to being assaulted as some perpetrators take advantage and target those they deem vulnerable. Additionally, an increased desire to socialize and familiarize themselves in a new environment can increase risk. It is estimated that somewhere between 50-77% of on-campus assaults involve alcohol (UT Austin). Let us be clear that alcohol does not cause sexual assault- it is a risk factor but never should be blamed as the cause.
There are several ways in which you can be proactive about your safety, the most important being giving thought to your desires and boundaries prior to going out. Having a sense of where your boundaries lie prior to any sexual interactions can make you feel empowered in your decisions. Although it's ideal to think about this before, know that it is always okay to change your mind in he moment! Clear, verbal, and continued communication is a necessary part of any sexual interaction, but should especially be emphasized if any party has consumed alcohol. Finally, always listen to your gut. It's important to be able to recognize how sensations arise in your own body, both pleasurable and uncomfortable. Staying in tune with your body is key to being able to enjoy sex and recognize when your boundaries are being pushed too far (Me Too Movement).
Raising awareness about the "red zone" is not meant to scare anyone out of participating in partying and drinking. College is a time intended for exploration, joy, and growth. Being aware of the red zone can help you feel prepared and can help you inform others in your community. Sexual assault is an epidemic that has likely touched or will touch someone close to you throughout your life. This is why it's so important to know what resources are available to you so that you feel empowered to respond if ever needed.
RESOURCES-
Local Resources:
Cassie Luna- 24/7, confidential resource for CC students. Contact them at: cluna@coloradocollege.edu. Advocate on-call phone number: (719) 602-0960
Colorado College Counseling Center, non-confidential: 719-389-6093
TESSA, 24/7 confidential resource in COS. Crisis hotline: 719-633-3819.
Haseya, confidential support for indigenous survivors. Call: (719) 600-3939
Confidential National Resources:
RAINN - 800-656-HOPE (4673) - crisis hotline
Loveisrespect- text LOVEIS to 22522 or call 866-331-9474. https://www.loveisrespect.org/
The Trevor Project- for LGBTQ+ survivors, 866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline- 877-565-8860
Esperanza United- for Latinx survivors, bilingual hotline 651-772-1611
DAWN- for survivors with disabilities, call 855-812-1001 or hotline@deafdawn.org
1in6- for male identifying survivors, https://supportgroup.1in6.org/
SAFE Helpline- for military abuse call 877-995-5247
UJIMA- for black survivors call 844-77-UJIMA
National Suicide Hotline: dial 988
Learn more about the Red Zone:
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