As the semester kicks off, college campuses buzz with excitement, new beginnings, and social gatherings; however, amid this whirlwind of activity lies the “Red Zone.”
The Red Zone is the time period when most college sexual assaults occur, beginning when students start moving in during August and ending around Fall break. Over 50% of college sexual assaults occur during this six-week period, with freshmen, women, and transfer students being the most vulnerable.
Although every student is at risk for assault, new students are particularly vulnerable, as they are still becoming acclimated to a new campus environment and may not be as familiar with their surroundings and resources for help.
The increase in sexual danger during this time is facilitated by a heightened level of social activity during the first few weeks of the semester, often including drinking, drug use, and partying.
So, what are ways to prevent the risk during this time period?
Always participate in the buddy system: never walk alone at night. You can always call Campus Police at (610) 861-1421 for an escort, and keep alert while walking; this means staying off your phone, no headphones, and keeping your eyes and ears open – it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keep an eye out for the closest Emergency Blue Light – which will immediately contact Campus Police with the location where the button was pressed.
If you do plan on going out, plan your night ahead.
If you know your friends are leaving soon, strongly consider leaving with them so that you can all keep each other safe. Once you’re out, never accept a drink you did not bring or prepare yourself, and always keep your hand on your cup; don’t put it down or leave it in the hands of anyone else. As pessimistic as it sounds, you only can trust yourself.
If you are in a situation where you see someone experiencing potential sexual violence, intervene with the five D’s: distract, direct, delegate, document, and delay. Draw attention to something else, confront the situation directly, firmly, and clearly. For example: “They’ve made it clear they’re uncomfortable. Please leave them alone.”
Delegate by seeking help from another person, such as Campus Police or an RA/CA. With the victim’s consent, document the incident while keeping a safe distance, recording the date and time. Delay: check in with the victim after the incident and offer them applicable resources.
Immediate campus resources include ADVOCATES for Survivors of Sexual Violence at (484) 764-9242, Campus Police at (610) 861-1421, and the Title IX Coordinator at (610) 861-1529. For Moravian-specific confidential resources, the Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) can be reached at (610) 861-1510, the Health Center can be reached at (610) 861-1567, and the Religious Life (Chaplains) at (610) 861-1583.
Local Confidential Community Resources include the Crime Victims Council 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline at (610) 437-6611, Turning Point 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline at (877) 438-4957, PCAR (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape) 24-hour support hotline at (888) 772-7227. More support resources are outlined in detail at: https://www.moravian.edu/titleix/resources.
