It’s that time of the year. College students are heading back to school for another semester. They’re heading out to get their books and spruce up their new apartments or dorms. They’re meeting with their friends that they missed over the summer and they are going out to parties. It is an exciting time of the year and it’s a time to enjoy. But this time of year is also a dangerous one. The first six weeks of the fall semester is a period known as the Red Zone. It is a time where sexual assault is more prevalent than ever on college campuses. During this time it is necessary to prepare for situations that could be dangerous. There are certain steps you can take to prevent sexual assault from happening.

Preventing Sexual Assault
  • Create a distraction
    • When you see a situation that looks like it could turn dangerous create a distraction.
      • Interrupt the conversation
      • Bring out fresh drinks or food and offer them to the person you are concerned about
      • Start an activity that draws people in
  • Talk directly to the person who may be in trouble
    • Ask questions like “Who did you come with?”, “Would you like me to stay with you?”, “Do you want to go home?”
  • Refer the situation to an authority
    • Ask an RA or a security guard to step in if you see the situation heading to a dangerous place
  • Get help from others
    • If you don’t feel comfortable dealing with the situation alone get help from others.
    • If you feel you are in a situation you don’t feel comfortable in ask for help from others.

 

If you see something happening, act. Your actions do matter and could save someone. For more tips on how to prevent sexual assault, as well as the warning signs of sexual assault follow the link below to RAINN’s website. It gives tips for students as well as parents and teachers.

After Sexual Assault

If you, or someone you know, have been sexually assaulted then follow the link here to get help from RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network.) RAINN helps victims of sexual abuse and sexual assault. They have 24/7 help lines as well helpful advice on how to recover from sexual violence. Their number is below if you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault. They are here to help and are always available.

 

RAINN:

Website: https://www.rainn.org/

Phone: 800.656.HOPE(4673)

Sources:

https://www.rainn.org/safety-students

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/aug/26/campus-sexual-assault-training-red-zone

*This information was take from the RAINN website and formatted for our purposes. Please visit the RAINN website for more information.

-Dalton Davidson, Safety and Security Intern