The Red Zone: Understanding & Preventing Sexual Assault

Understand the heightened risk period for sexual assault, how to protect yourself and others, and where to find support at OSU.

What is The Red Zone?

The Red Zone is a period of time, typically from move-in week of the fall semester through Thanksgiving Break, when students, especially new students, are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual assault. While sexual assault can happen any time, a trend seen across many college campuses is a disproportionate number of incidents occurring during the first few months of the fall semester. 

The timing of these incidents is not by chance. This period often involves the perfect storm of several factors including new environments, newfound independence, a larger social scene and lack of familiarity with campus safety resources.  

The Red Zone does not exclusively happen at OSU, but we can work to reduce the number of incidents and help support those who encounter sexual violence during their time at OSU.  

How You Can Help: Be an Active Part of Prevention

How to Help a Friend: If a friend discloses an assault, listen without judgement. Believe them and affirm that it’s not their fault. Ask how you can support them and respect their choices. Connect them to resources such as the confidential Victim Advocates resource, a 24/7 call or text service for OSU students.  

How to be Aware & Recognize Risk Factors: Trust your gut. If a situation feels off, it probably is. Watch out for isolating behaviors, pay attention to excessive or coercive alcohol or drug use, and look for signs of discomfort or distress in others.  Take care of yourself and those around you.

Be an Active Bystander: Even small actions can make a difference. When attempting to help, you should think about the 4 Ds of Intervention - distract, delegate, delay or direct. Your intervention, even if it's a small action, can prevent harm to others.  Learn more about bystander intervention.

Use Effective Consent, 100% of the Time: Effective consent is informed, freely and actively given, and has mutually understandable words or actions. This indicates a willingness or non-willingness to participate in a mutually agreed upon sexual activity.  If you are initiating any sort of touch, it is your responsibility to ask for and obtain enthusiastic consent. An easy acronym to remember consent is FRIES – Freely Given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic and Specific. Silence is not consent, and consent must be ongoing throughout any sexual activity. Learn more about using effective consent.  

FAQs about The Red Zone

• Who is at highest risk during The Red Zone?

  Freshman or new incoming students are more vulnerable during this time due to their unfamiliarity with campus and new social and independent freedom.  

• How do alcohol and drugs affect The Red Zone? 

  Alcohol can be used as a tool to incapacitate a victim of sexual assault. Parties and newfound independence can lend to a higher risk of students finding themselves in situations where alcohol and drugs can increase the risk of sexual assault. While alcohol and drugs can play a role in sexual assault, it should be noted that sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. 

• What is OSU doing to help reduce the risk to students during The Red Zone?

  Oklahoma State is committed to creating a safe campus environment for all students. To help reduce the risk to students, all new students are required to complete the comprehensive online training focused on sexual violence prevention, mental health awareness, and cybersecurity education program.  

   

  OSU has also adopted the use of Rave Guardian, a free mobile app that turns a smartphone into a personal safety resource. Students with the app can request a SafeWalk through the app, where dedicated safety officers from OSUPD will walk students, faculty and staff to an on-campus location from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Learn more about the Rave Guardian App.

• What can I do to reduce my own risk?

  While sexual assault is never the victim's fault, there are proactive steps you can take to enhance your personal safety and reduce your risk, particularly during the Red Zone.  

   

  Trusting Your Instincts:

  • If a situation or a person makes you feel uncomfortable, uneasy, or unsafe, listen to that feeling. It's okay to leave, say no, or change your plans. Your safety is your top priority, not politeness. 

  Communicate Clearly & Assertively:

  • Be direct about your boundaries and expectations. If someone is pressuring you or not respecting your wishes, firmly say "no" or "stop." You have the right to set limits and have them respected. 

  Use the Buddy System:

  • When going to parties, social events or unfamiliar places, go with friends you trust. Look out for each other, agree on a plan for how you'll leave, and make sure no one is left alone or with someone they don't know well. 

  Being Mindful of Alcohol and Drug Use:

  • Understand your limits and those of your friends. Impaired judgment can increase vulnerability. 

  Protect Your Drink:

  • Never leave your drink unattended and avoid accepting drinks from strangers or drinks you haven't seen prepared. 

  Watch Out for Others:

  • If a friend seems significantly more intoxicated than they should be, or displays unusual behavior, get them out of the situation and seek help. 

  Staying Aware of Your Surroundings: 

  • Be alert, especially when walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid shortcuts through isolated spots. 
  • Limit distractions like headphones or your phone when moving around campus, particularly after dark. 

  Plan Ahead: 

  • Charge your phone before going out. 
  • Know how you're getting to and from social events. 
  • Have emergency contacts programmed into your phone, including OSUPD. 

  Leveraging OSU Resources: 

  • Download the RAVE Guardian App for easy access to campus safety features like the Safety Timer and direct police contact. 
• How can I help create a safer campus environment for my fellow Cowboys?

  Creating a safe and respectful campus is a shared responsibility, and every Cowboy plays a role in this effort. Being an active bystander and fostering a culture of consent and support can make a difference in our campus culture.  

  • By an active bystander.  

  • Practice and promote consent.  

  • Challenge harmful attitudes.  

  • Look out for your friends.  

  • Familiarize yourself with OSU sexual assault prevention and support resources.  

  • Participate in prevention efforts.  

Sexual Violence Resources