Many college students often wonder what the Red Zone is and why they should be aware of it. As the semester starts, it is important for students of all years to be educated about these potentially vulnerable months in the academic year. Point Park provides a good understanding of basic knowledge about the Red Zone.
There are many organizations on campus, like It’s On Us, that help educate students about what the Red Zone is and provide resources for students when it comes to this time of the year.
The Red Zone is a period that occurs between the start of the fall semester and Thanksgiving break. During this time, students face a higher risk of becoming victims of sexual violence. Common acts of sexual violence include (but are not limited to) rape, sexual harassment, spiking, flashing, and stealthing. There are several reasons why occurrences of sexual violence become more frequent during this time. The first reason is that first-year students are often experiencing their first long period of time away from home and are no longer solely guided by the decisions of their parents. The second is that parties tend to happen more frequently and are more accessible to students since most are either on campus or close to it. The final reason is that students are in a new setting, and usually an unfamiliar city.
Freshmen and upperclassmen should take time to familiarize themselves with the potential risks of the next couple of months in the academic year and how to stay safe.
What can you do to protect yourself from the Red Zone?
1. Stay alert, and always be conscious of your surroundings.
Staying with a person or group of people you trust always helps! I personally recommend- if you’re listening to music and walking down the street (or anywhere, really), just keep one earbud in. It helps you listen for anyone who may be creeping up on you or saying something threatening. It also just helps you listen to cars and other things in your environment.
2. Keep your drink and personal belongings covered.
It is becoming increasingly common for victims to be drugged by having their drinks spiked, or by touching a substance. What you can do to prevent this is always leave your drink with a trusted person–like a bartender or friend. If none of these are an option, some companies also sell drink covers, so you can tell if your drink has been tampered with or not after leaving it.
3. Practice consent and stay firm in your boundaries.
It’s okay to say no to any activity that someone may want to do with you, especially if it’s sexual. If they can’t take no for an answer, it’s important to disengage from the situation as swiftly as possible. Try to leave, or contact a trusted friend or individual for help. Also, remember that consent cannot be given under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Consent also cannot be given with the use of violence or coercion, and even if you consented to something previously, it doesn’t mean you have to consent now.
4. If you see something — say something.
If you see or suspect that someone may potentially be a victim of sexual violence, do not be afraid to help them out. However, if you are not in a position to help the person out, look for or call someone who can. It is absolutely understandable that sometimes, it’s not safe for us to step in and help ourselves.