The Red Zone: What to know about sexual violence on campuses

The first day of the fall semester on college campuses means the timer has started on “The Red Zone.” Until Thanksgiving break, college students are at a much higher risk of experiencing sexual violence than at any other point in the year, and it is not a coincidence. The first semester brings football games, Greek initiation and unfamiliar surroundings that all contribute to a more concentrated rate of violence. The Red Zone disproportionately affects freshmen women which can be attributed to students’ first experiences with college campus culture. For many, an unfamiliar social scene combined with newfound substance use and limited education on consent and sexual violence all contribute to the darker sides of college party culture.