🚨Sexual Assaults - According to statistics, more than 50% of college sexual assaults occur August through November. This time has become known as “The Red Zone”, the time period at the beginning of the school year when women (and men) are at the highest risk of being sexually assaulted. https://rainn.org/statistics/campus-sexual-violence

This is especially true for freshman who are making new friends and having fun - particularly at events and bars where alcohol is being served. According to statistics, this is the time when students are most vulnerable. Remember that “No” means “No” and if you or your partner is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may not have consent for sex. Take safety measures! Go out and stay with a trusted group of friends.

🚨Spiking of Drinks - Watch for spiking of drinks in bars and at parties. Although the motive may be to make you relax, pull a prank, or see you drunk, don't risk it. The goal may be to sexually assault you. Order your own and don't leave them unattended. To protect yourself, use a cup cover for extra security!  If you happen to leave your drink unattended or a stranger brings you a drink and you are worried your drink may have been spiked you can also use CYD Spiked Drink Testing Strips or drug detection cards. There are plenty of options on Amazon. Whatever you do, go out and stay with your group of trusted friends and be suspicious of strangers. For more on spiking, check out this article.

🚨Take Advantage of Campus Education and Self-Defense Training - most campuses require students to participate in sexual assault and hazing awareness courses at the beginning of the school year with refreshers at later dates throughout the school year. Don’t miss these opportunities to educate yourself and gain access to tools you may need to protect yourself. If your campus provides self-defense classes, sign up. You never know if you have to defend yourself against a predator. Remember that violators are not always other students. 

🚨Victim Assistance - If you are harmed or you do find yourself in trouble, most campuses have blue light poles where you can seek immediate help from campus or local police. You can also call your Campus Sexual Assault Support Hotline where support is standing by to help you at any hour, day or night. 

🚨Don’t be a Bystander - Most importantly, if you see someone in trouble, don't be a bystander. Speak up and be protective, especially if you see someone who is no longer capable of making decisions due to drug or excess alcohol consumption! If you seek immediate help, you are less likely to get in trouble for witnessing a potential tragedy and doing nothing.

For more, visit me at thesandboxseries.com and check out our book Play Nice and my upcoming book Play Smart! #thecampusredzone #sexualassaultoncampus #illegalhazing #don'tbeabystander #beallies