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Introduction to the “Red Zone”
The red zone is a period of time when students on campus are most vulnerable to sexual assault. It is also called pre-exposure, meaning it’s the time before college students feel comfortable in their new environment.
The red zone lasts from orientation until winter break (when most students return home for the holidays). For the first time, students are away from home where family and friends may not be there to support them.
Luckily, companies and non-profits exist solely to provide survivors of sexual assault on campus with 24/7 support, even during the red zone, where many administrators might feel overwhelmed or understaffed.
When is the “Red Zone”?
This period of time includes freshman year, when first-year college students are adjusting to life away from home; and sophomore year, when students return to campus for their second year and may experience an increase in alcohol use.
Students often have to navigate new relationships, parties, or other situations that can increase the risk of experiencing sexual violence. Students might feel like they’re unable to seek resources, or don’t know how.
University awareness, as well as organizations that specialize in sexual assault resources, may help colleges fill care gaps.
Where Did the Term “Red Zone” Come From?
The term “red zone” was coined by Dr. David Lisak, a clinical psychologist who spent decades researching rape prevention programs on college campuses. Dr. David Lisak developed ways to help prevent sexual violence against women and girls. He calls it the “red zone” as it represents a heightened risk period in which young adults are more likely to become victims of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault.
College administrators play an important role in promoting healthy behaviors during this time period. Their actions have the power to reduce negative consequences, including victimization and perpetration of sexual violence.
It is crucial survivors of sexual assault are supported by the college administrators they interface with during this time. Administrators can provide students with information regarding how to access on-campus counseling and wellness and health services. Additionally, referring them to external resources for mental health support is an easy step that can make all the difference for those navigating healing from trauma.
How Does the “Red Zone” Impact Your Students and College?
As sexual assault increases, so does the likelihood of a drop in enrollment. One study found 34.1% of individuals who experienced sexual victimization dropped out of university. The reputation of universities can be affected by crime on campus, potentially leading to fewer applications and lower enrollment.
Parents will be more likely to question the safety of their child attending a school if they hear about a spike in sexual violence.
A decline in applications, enrollment, and graduation rates may also lead to reductions in funding for school programs, meaning they may not have enough money to hire more staff or create new programs.
Unequipped and Unprepared — What Are the Consequences?
Some colleges might not be well-equipped with resources, especially if their Title IX, public safety, or housing office is understaffed. Certain schools might be far away from a hospital that provides a sexual assault examination or most commonly known as a rape kit.
Sexual assault examinations are an important part of the forensic process and can provide evidence that may be crucial in prosecuting or adjudicating the case. If colleges do not have a sexual assault nurse examiner, students will need to travel to a hospital or other medical facility with access to one.
This can be extremely difficult for someone who has just been sexually assaulted, as it is emotionally draining and time-consuming. In situations like the Chanel Miller and Brock Turner case, Chanel Miller recounted having to go miles to receive an examination, which was recounted in her book “Know My Name: A Memoir.”
It’s possible that the student won’t be able to get an exam until the next day when they are already feeling worse, and it might take them longer to recover from their assault. Additionally, 79% of sexual assault victims do not receive post-assault medical attention. This can lead to grave medical challenges later in life, or even within the moments after assault, such as untreated sexually transmitted diseases.
Bridging the Gap for Students
During COVID-19, sexual assault survivors were unable to access rape kits, which led to an emergence of at-home sexual assault testing. However, this was not a new concept; survivors across the world have been utilizing at-home tests, most commonly called “Early Evidence Kits” in Australia and the United Kingdom. The Early Evidence Kit (EEK) effectively detects foreign spermatozoa, at oftentimes higher rates than normal sexual assault kits in traditional hospital settings. Not only are they more effective, but they are also tested within 8 weeks, compared to state testing, which can take two years to receive results.
In the U.S., some companies provide this service to institutions which can help support survivors facing barriers to hospital access by making time-sensitive DNA collection more accessible. On college campuses, this means survivors can have access to care in the comfort of their own dorm rooms.
As 77% of sexual assaults go unreported, during the red zone, it is more important than ever to ensure students have increased options for reporting. For both new and returning students, there is trepidation regarding loss of anonymity, confusion on what the process entails, and dread when it comes to reporting.
Providing students with increased options when it comes to reporting a sexual assault and receiving post-assault care allows survivors to make empowering decisions for themselves.
What Can You Do as a College Administrator to Help During the “Red Zone”?
- Have a plan.
- Prepare for the red zone.
- Listen to students, and refer them to resources if needed.
- Educate students on sexual assault, consent, and options for post-assault care and reporting.
- Acknowledge the limitations of your university, and how you might need to work with other organizations to fill the gap.
- Be aware of the red zone and how it impacts students, enrollment, and alumni dollars to endowment.
- Invest in additional resources to further provide survivors.
Conclusion
If you are a college administrator, it is essential to be aware of what is happening on your campus during the red zone. The red zone is when an increased number of assaults and other crimes take place on or near college campuses. Educators have a responsibility to their students to educate best practices to stay safe during this time period. Ensure practices are in place to keep your campus safe and prevent violence, and in the instance sexual assault does occur, all the resources you may need are provided for the students.
Explore how innovative resources, like Leda Health’s services, can support and better equip your campus today.
