Sexual assault has the potential to happen anywhere, and college campuses are not exempt from this. In fact, college campuses have recently shown to have a higher risk. A study done from 2015-2022 shows that the risk for sexual violence was 74% higher for college-enrolled woman than those not enrolled. Â
What makes this risk so much higher for women in college? Â
One link between the high rate and college enrollment is a period of time that is often referred to as “The Red Zone”. This refers to the beginning of the school year, from the start of the fall semester to Thanksgiving break. More than 50% of college sexual assaults happen during this time period. Â
It is theorized that this is largely due to the culture of partying and drinking that happens when students return to campus. Greek organizations such as fraternities and sororities typically hold a rush during this time which can contribute to the culture of partying.Â
Fraternities are often associated with sexual assault on campus. Since as early as 1989, researchers have been studying the link between fraternities as social context-groups and organizations that encourage the sexual coercion of women.Â
While Greek life at Temple University tends to be smaller than other schools, we are still no stranger to this issue. In 2018, the fraternity Alpha Epsilon Pi was suspended following three separate reports of sexual assault. The former president of the fraternity was then sentenced to 3-7 years in state prison on counts of attempted sexual assault, attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and indecent assault.  Â
In 2017, the hashtag #metoo went viral. This movement aimed to highlight the broad scale of sexual assault and pose sexual violence as a systemic issue that can be worked towards to be solved. It also aims to bring survivors together, to remind each other that they are not alone. And they are not. Nearly half of women in the U.S. have experienced sexual violence. 1 in 6 men in the U.S. have experienced sexual violence.Â
Despite the movement doing genuinely good in erasing stigma and encouraging survivors to raise their voices, statistics have not decreased.  Â
How does this problem get solved?Â
There’s no easy answer or solution to fix the problem of sexual violence. The first steps come from strengthening our communities and making survivors feel like they are heard and will be supported. Providing spaces where they can share their voice and their story, without fear and in hopes of judgement. Â
If you or someone you love has experienced sexual violence resources are available at at RAINN, the National Sexual Assault Hotline. On Temple’s campus, resources can be found here. Information about counseling and additional therapy can be found here.Â