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The Red Zone is a high-risk period on college campuses from the start of the fall semester through Thanksgiving break when more than 50% of sexual assaults occur. This happens for many varied reasons including an unfamiliar environment, alcohol consumption, independence as well as increased social pressures. Being at college is a newfound sense of freedom that allows you to stay out late without many repercussions,however, with this freedom comes vulnerable times when new or returning students are taken advantage of.
In an unfamiliar environment, students may not know safe spaces or safe resources to go to if they see or experience sexual assault. A study of the red zone by Johns Hopkins says, “New students can be especially vulnerable during this period, due to their unfamiliarity with the campus, new social experiences and the resources available to survivors. It is never a person’s fault if they experience sexual violence. It is the fault of the person who exploited vulnerabilities for their own gratification and to cause harm.” Although students are especially vulnerable during these first couple of months at college, it does not mean that they should be taken advantage of in any way.
Another factor of the red zone is alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption, especially underage or before the frontal lobe develops, can not only be dangerous but can make students vulnerable to predators. It is important to state that although alcohol and sexual assault may have a relationship, it is never at fault of the victim. Alcohol and drugs are commonly used by perpetrators to make their victims more likely to fall for their ruse, which makes it even more important to keep an eye on your drink and belongings if you are going to consume alcohol anywhere.
Newfound independence and social pressures can lead students to find themselves in places where perpetrators feel the most in control. For many students, the first sense of independence that they feel is in college. This independence can lead to students feeling the need to fit in with their peers, and when you are pressured not only by society to engage in sexual acts, but by your peers as well, students can feel that they must engage to be perceived as cool or attractive. It is important to remember that consent is especially important and must be given and received.
How can we as students fight to decline the high percentage of the red zone? Bystander intervention is one of the most important tactics that should be learned in college. The University of Illinois Chicago says, “Bystander intervention is a prevention strategy that encourages witnesses to take safe action when they see a situation that might lead to sexual violence, abuse and to support victims after an incident.” Bystander intervention can be as simple as seeing a person experience an uncomfortable situation and checking in to see if they are okay or need help. Bystander intervention can also be reporting a sexual assault that you may have witnessed. Even if you are not sure if you should report it, it is imperative that you support the victim and report it so the perpetrator does not do it to anybody again.
Kacey Kennedy is a third year Special Education major. KK1043582@wcupa.edu