The beginning of the school year marks the “red zone” for female college students, it is when the risk of sexual assault is highest. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, more than fifty percent of college sexual assaults happen between August and November. Which means the “red zone” is during just about the whole first semester of school. Students between the ages of 18 and 24 are three times more likely than women in general to experience the sexual violence. Most of the college victims are more unlikely to report  their sexual assault to law enforcement.

Activists don’t believe colleges have done the most for sexual assault prevention and efforts of awareness to address the “red zone” and issues applying to it. The activists criticize the polices for focusing more on how women can avoid rape (travel in groups, don’t put down your drink), instead of convincing men to stop committing the violence. There has been prevention strategies offering practical advice to potential victims.

Safety Tips for potential victims:

• Stick together- If you show up with a group or feel uncomfortable do not leave or show up alone, go with friends.
• Speak up- Don’t ignore someone who is making you feel as if you do not have your space or someone else’s, say something.
• Make a plan- If you plan on drinking or doing anything else causing you to not defend yourself very well, talk to a peer or your friend group about having someone look out for you.
• Know the sexual violence policy – Be sure to know the policies on campus and know that this kind of violence will not be tolerated.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you may call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE(4673) or visit their website at hotline.rainn.org/online to receive personal support.