The Red Zone

This archived article was written by: Morgan Verdi

What is the red zone? The red zone is when college students, mainly freshman, are at an increased risk of sexual assault for the first month and a half or so after they arrive on campus. It is a dangerous time frame and that’s why it is critical to get the word out and let people know what the red zone is.
According to Lancaster Online and WTOC, when college students are away from home for the first time, they are vulnerable. Getting used to a new place and way of life, along with trying to make new friends, throws new students out of their element.
There is a strong desire to fit in and meet new people, because of this college students may end up trusting the wrong people, which provides a perfect opportunity for perpetrators.
College freshman are vulnerable for other reasons as well, if a sexual assault occurs the victim may be daunted by the colleges’ process for reporting and investigating sexual assault.
If a student has been sexually assaulted they may be in shock and unable to grasp what’s happened to them. Another reason is many students are drinking alcohol for the first time in their lives and attending parties where they are trying to fit in, unfortunately their eagerness to “be like the cool kids” and naiveté may be obvious to other students and easily manipulated which is why the red zone is such a hostile time.
All students must know that nothing ever invites rape.