The "Red Zone": College Campus IPV Rates & Student Safety

A young woman and her friend packing a car and heading to college

Feelings of nervousness and excitement blend together as students enter college, from balancing the thrill of newfound independence with the challenge of adapting to unfamiliar routines, people, and academic expectations. But, a reality people don’t often include in the list of concerns when starting college, is intimate partner violence (IPV).

The truth is that college students are at heightened risk for sexual and intimate partner violence as they enter into and develop new relationships. In response, many college campuses seek ways to increase safety efforts as campus safety is a growing national concern. Enhancing safety on campus requires a comprehensive plan to address sexual violence and IPV.

IPV rates on college campuses

The  National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS)  reported that nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, including during their college years.  

When it comes to college students specifically, the Association of American Universities (AAU) Campus Sexual Assault Study found that 10% of undergraduate students reported experiencing sexual assault since starting college, and about 29% of undergraduate students reported experiencing sexual harassment. Furthermore, the AAU study showed that sexual and intimate partner violence is significantly underreported by female student victims to campus authorities, often due to fears of not being believed or facing retaliation, emphasizing the need for better reporting mechanisms and support for victims. 

The “Red Zone

One of the most dangerous times on college campuses, when over 50% of incidents of sexual violence occur, is during the “Red Zone.” The Red Zone is the first few months of a school year (August to November), where there is a link between an increase in social gatherings and an increase in rates of sexual assault. The deleterious mental health consequences of sexual assault among college women have been well documented. One study noted that college women who experienced sexual assault during their first semester of college were associated with elevated rates of clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Resources to support college students

Many colleges and universities offer dating violence resources to support their students. The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape put together a digestible resource guide that walks you through questions to ask your campus or prospective campus about what it’s doing to prevent sexual violence and support survivors. The resource guide also includes steps for more effective prevention efforts and links to resources for other organizations doing work to end sexual violence on college campuses.  

Title IX offices

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions. Most colleges have Title IX offices that provide confidential support and resources for students facing dating violence or sexual assault. They can assist with reporting incidents, exploring options for protective measures, and offering educational resources. 

End Rape on Campus

Additionally, End Rape on Campus has numerous resources to end campus sexual violence, including their Campus Accountability Map for survivors, student activists, politicians, and those engaged in the movement to end campus sexual violence can use this tool to demand transparency and accountability from colleges and universities.  

Additional resources to address college dating violence

myPlan’s Campus Toolkit

myPlan is a free, personalized, and research-backed app offered in English and Spanish to help with safety decisions for those who are or may be experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship. myPlan’s campus toolkit provides free resources to integrate myPlan into existing violence prevention resources and programming.  

Callisto

Callisto is a resource designed to help survivors of sexual assault and harassment, particularly in college settings. It provides a confidential way for individuals to report incidents, track patterns of behavior, and access support services.

*At the time of this publication, Callisto is in danger of closing down due to lack of funding. Please consider a donation to #SaveCallisto as they provide a critical national service!

The Intuition App

The Intuition App is a behavioral health app with the overall goal of reducing intimate partner violence and supporting survivors of sexual violence on college campuses through journaling and connections with mental health providers. The platform also connects users with a supportive community and offers access to expert-vetted resources, providing comprehensive support for students seeking to foster healthier relationships. 

Conclusion 

Dating violence is a pervasive issue that can affect anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Understanding the resources and policies available on campus is crucial for creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. By recognizing the signs of dating violence, utilizing available resources, and engaging in preventive education, we can work together to combat this issue and promote healthy, respectful relationships on campus.  


Author Bio  

Ramya Dronamraju Flores is the co-founder and co-CEO of Love Intuition, a mobile app that provides access to mental health resources for adolescent women and non-binary people to reduce the incidence of intimate partner violence on college campuses. Ramya’s work was featured on VS PINK’s YouTube channel, Brown Girl Magazine, and The Skimm. Ramya was also an inaugural fellow of the Vital Voices x TRESemme Leadership incubator.  

Additionally, Ramya is the Director of Maternal and Infant Health at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO). In her current role, Ramya’s portfolio includes projects related to maternal and infant health behavioral health and addressing health disparities in MCH populations. 

Ramya completed her master’s in public health with a concentration on maternal and child health at the George Washington University’s Milken School of Public Health and received her BA in Chemistry from Kalamazoo College. 

 

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