The first six weeks of the Fall Semester is a time when sexual assaults are especially high on college campuses throughout the U.S.
This time of year is termed "red zone."
"We see an increase in alcohol consumption as students are coming back to school or coming to college for the first time," Julie Sturek, a health educator at Ball State, said. "Along with that, we also see an increase in sexual assault."
Christine Hurst, a junior women's studies major and a peer victim advocate, knows how numbers rise during the start of the school year, although so far this year, she hasn't had any calls. Last year, she had some by this time.
All students are at risk, but the number of sexual assaults is greatest among freshmen students. Many of them are away from home for the first time and try new things such as alcohol that they haven't had before, not knowing their limits.
"People do things when they're intoxicated that they wouldn't necessarily do when they're sober," Sturek said.
The beginning of the academic year sees high numbers of students attending parties.
"I think there is a lot of partying going on and a lot of people adjusting to a new environment, and I think that kind of makes the breeding ground for assaults to happen," Hurst said.
Sturek said students need to be aware of the red zone and not be na+â-»ve. One in four college women will be sexually assaulted during their college career, and one in 11 males will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, she said.
"It just helps people, especially women, to be aware that they are at increased risk and to know that sexual assault on college campuses isn't a myth or anything," Hurst said. "It really does happen. I think that's a really big part of the awareness."
Students can take preventative measures to protect themselves during this six-week period and throughout the remainder of the academic year.
"Knowing their limits for alcohol, having a plan of action for the night and going with someone they trust and know is important," Sturek said.
To help students become more aware of the red-zone period, Sturek is in her third year of giving presentations in the residence halls for the highest risk students: freshmen. She focuses on the elements of consent in Indiana.
"Consent must be verbal and you must hear a verbal yes, must be sober and must be a mutual decision," she said. "We also talk about communicating consent, partying smart and alcohol consumption."
Sturek speaks to the physical fitness and wellness classes, a criminal justice class and a journalism class in addition to the residence halls.
Ball State's campus saw three reports of forcible sex offenses (including forcible rape) in 2010, up from one in 2008 and 2009, according to Ball State's website. The website showed no non-forcible sex offenses reported in all three years. Data is not listed for 2011.
Hurst encourages students to be smart and get help if sexually assaulted.
"If you are assaulted, definitely go to the emergency room," she said. "Also, make sure to look out for your friends, watch your drinks [and] don't leave a friend alone at a party."
It is important for students to attend these presentations to prevent being another statistic.
"We want them to have fun and enjoy their time at Ball State, but we also want them to be safe," Sturek said.
For students who will not be seeing the presentations in the residence halls or select classrooms, a table educating about red zone will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday in the Atrium.
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