Sexual assault is a major issue on college campuses and the University of Oregon is, unfortunately, no exception.

During the 2024-25 school year, 251 students reported incidences of sexual misconduct to UO’s Title IX coordinator, with 38 of these incidences constituting cases of sexual violence.

Even this year, when school had just begun, students received emails about disturbing events unfolding in our community. On Oct. 6, students were alerted about a reported drugging, allegedly carried out through a spiked vape at a fraternity party. On Nov. 3, the university issued two more alerts regarding spiked alcohol and marijuana.

Sadly, such events are not uncommon. Last fall, students were alerted about one report of sexual assault and two reports of drugged drinks — all allegedly occurring at fraternity parties. The school year before, three UO fraternities were suspended in winter term for alleged druggings.

These incidents reveal a pattern of sexual assaults and druggings occurring toward the beginning of a school year. While this might appear to be a coincidence, it is a manifestation of a well-documented phenomenon called the Red Zone.

According to RAINN, an anti-sexual violence nonprofit, the Red Zone is the period between freshman move-in and Thanksgiving break when 50% of all sexual assaults on college campuses are reported.

Students are especially vulnerable at this time while navigating new experiences like living on their own, attending parties and experimenting with alcohol and drugs. Students are also at increased risk before making close friends to rely on in these settings.

Though all students are at an increased risk of experiencing sexual violence, freshman women are statistically the most affected group.

As incoming freshmen, UO students are required to complete an online sexual assault prevention module, as well as courses on alcohol, drugs and safety to prepare for life in their new college environment.

The system fails to acknowledge the rapidly updating techniques sexual predators use to take advantage of their victims, with perpetrators now allegedly using items like spiked vape pods and marijuana that people might not question compared to an open container.

In many campus settings, the Red Zone isn’t explicitly addressed at all.

“I am both a sorority member and an RA, and I haven’t really seen any specific initiatives to raise awareness about the Red Zone,” UO junior Ella Kuhn said. “I think the most I’ve seen is putting up posters as an RA.”

Despite the lack of direct education, Kuhn identified the many safety resources provided to students.

UO Resident Assistant Amaya Caricaburru said this oversight is cause for concern.

“It would be helpful if we were given some concrete information about the Red Zone and how to party safely to give out to our residents,” she said.

As the Red Zone reaches its zenith, I urge students, particularly freshmen, to stay vigilant. There is nothing that we can do to guarantee our own safety, as the onus of sexual assault rests solely on the perpetrator, but we must take precautions to protect our community.

When attending parties, find a trusted friend to stick with, leave if you feel uncomfortable and be wary about accepting things from others. Take advantage of the university’s resources, like the Duck Rides program or a self-defense workshop at the Rec.

By raising awareness about the Red Zone and sexual violence on campus, we can work toward creating a safe college community for all.