The beginning of the fall semester is an exciting time for college students—a time to meet new friends, explore new opportunities, and build independence. Unfortunately, it is also the time when students are at the highest risk for sexual assault.
This window of heightened risk is called The Red Zone. The Red Zone is the time spanning the start of the fall semester through Thanksgiving break, when more than 50% of all college sexual assaults are statistically found to occur. The red zone time frame coincides with back-to-school partying, Greek life rushing, and football season.
Why The Red Zone Happens
Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of sexual assault at the beginning of a new school year. One major factor is that the start of the school year is a period of transition. Freshman, transfer, and international students are navigating a brand-new environment. Many do not yet know where to go for help, how to find trusted people to talk to, or what resources are available to them on or off campus. They may not know what to do if they find themselves in a situation that feels unsafe or uncomfortable. This lack of familiarity can make them more vulnerable to risky situations.
Cultural norms on college campuses also play a significant role. The beginning of the school year often comes with a surge of social events, including parties, football games, and Greek life rushing. While these can be positive experiences, they can also create spaces where boundaries are ignored and consent is not respected. Alcohol use is often a factor, as drinking culture is especially prevalent during this time. Alcohol itself does not cause sexual violence, but perpetrators may use it to make someone more vulnerable or to excuse harmful behavior.
Recognizing When Someone May Need Support
Since we are currently in The Red Zone, it is important to be able to recognize signs that you or someone around you may be in an unsafe situation. Sometimes this looks like someone appearing visibly uncomfortable or upset, shrinking away from a person’s touch, or giving short, closed-off responses to conversation. Other times, you might notice someone’s boundaries being repeatedly ignored, such as when they are being pressured for their phone number or touched without consent. You might also see alcohol being pushed on someone who is already intoxicated, or notice a person being led away to a secluded location. These moments can be warning signs that the situation is unsafe and requires intervention.
Sometimes, prevention depends on people being willing to step in when something does not seem right. This is called bystander intervention, and it can be a powerful tool for preventing harm.
Being an active bystander means recognizing a potentially harmful situation and taking steps to address it in a way that keeps everyone safe. Sometimes, this means approaching the person at risk and giving them an easy out, even if you do not know them. You might say, “Hey, we’re leaving for food. Are you ready to go?” or “The Uber’s here, come on.” Other times, it might mean distracting the person causing harm by pulling them aside for a conversation or asking for their help with something. You might feel more comfortable intervening with a friend or group rather than alone. In more serious situations, contacting security, a party host, or the police may be necessary.
Understanding and Practicing Consent
Preventing sexual violence starts with understanding and promoting enthusiastic, informed consent. Consent is when two parties come to an agreement to mutually engage in sexual activities. However, consent is much more than a single “yes” or “no.” There are four aspects to consent that must be considered.
- Consent must be active. Only an enthusiastic “yes” means yes. Silence, hesitation, or lack of resistance is not consent. While body language can sometimes be helpful, verbal confirmation is important, especially with a new partner.
- Consent requires an equal balance of power. If a person is drunk, asleep, underage, or otherwise in a vulnerable position, they cannot consent. Power imbalances, such as those between a professor and student or an employer and employee, also compromise a person’s ability to freely give consent.
- Consent is always a choice. There should never be pressure, manipulation, or fear of consequences for saying no.
- Finally, consent is an ongoing process. Just because someone says yes to one thing does not mean they have agreed to anything else. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, even if it was given earlier.
Where to Find Support
The Red Zone is a time when awareness, education, and action matter more than ever. If you or someone you know experiences sexual violence, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Advocates at DVIP & RVAP are here to listen, believe you, and connect you with resources, on and off campus.
DVIP & RVAP’s 24-hour Crisis Line can be reached at 1-800-228-1625.
