The second half of September marks one month since the new school year started and can mean many things for people. For some it means going to Peden Stadium or gathering in bars to cheer on the Bobcats, for others it could be getting in the party mood as Greek Life organizations throw parties.
It is imperative to stay aware and remember the best safety tips while out and having fun this semester and onward. While this period offers fun opportunities and parties, it is also a vulnerable time for students as they integrate and reintegrate with campus, and it comes with its own set of challenges, setbacks and obstacles.
Coined by psychologist and sexual assault researcher Dr. David Lisak, the Red Zone is the period spanning from the beginning of fall semester until Thanksgiving or even winter break. During this period sexual assault skyrockets and affects a large swath of students.
According to Title IX Solutions, a company specializing in sexual discrimination and harm in education, the vulnerabilities that put many students at risk can stem from “adjusting to newfound freedoms and unfamiliar settings, often without the guidance or experience to recognize or manage potential dangers.”
Some of these “unfamiliar settings” and “newfound freedoms” are often the party scenes students are exposed to during their time on campus.
The longing to feel integrated on campus or socially involved can skew your judgment at times, especially if you are a freshman. The feeling of needing to get out of your comfort zone to have the “true” college experience or being pressured by others around you can lead you to parties and get-togethers where you feel out of place, which may lead to alcohol use as a means to connect with peers. Therefore, knowing drinking tips are important too.
Tips such as eating something beforehand, not leaving your drinks unattended, not accepting drinks from strangers, being vigilant of your surroundings and knowing your limit may seem like mundane, run-of-the-mill tips for beginner and inexperienced drinkers, but those are good rules of thumb for anyone indulging.
The Public Health Institute highlighted a study which found 53.5% of students faced some kind of harm related to someone else’s drinking. These could range from verbal abuse, sexual assault, threats, physical assault and other harms. Therefore, practicing proper drinking etiquette could mitigate harm and keep everyone safe.
Also, being able to recognize warning signs of danger are crucial because it can help you and other people. Tampered drinks may taste bitter or salty, appear cloudy, sink previously floating ice or even change color.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the signs of someone who is “roofied” or had their drink spiked without consent may look like extreme vomiting, loss of coordination or dizziness, disorientation, panic or paranoia, impaired breathing or speaking, weakness and slow response time.
While mitigation helps, the dark reality is there is no guarantee or promise a harmless night could go left. It is not meant to scare people, but it is important to understand so people are aware that if harm occurs, it is never their fault whether they follow party etiquette tips or not. If in the event students are harmed in any way, they should feel comfortable reaching out for help, and know the resources to receive help from.
In the event you are harmed in any way or you witness someone else being harmed, never be afraid to contact law enforcement. You are not “killing the vibe” or being overdramatic by being vigilant and concerned. Trusting your instincts is very important in settings such as parties. There are so many pressures around that may dissuade you from reaching out for help. It will always be better to report just in case than not doing anything if danger seems to be present.
There are also a plethora of resources offered at Ohio University to help victims. The Survivor Advocacy Program gives students a confidential support system for issues ranging from sexual assault and harassment, stalking and dating violence.
Being harmed can have a range of mental effects on a survivor such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, disordered eating, panic attacks and so much more. Counseling and Psychological Services can be a great outlet and resource to understand and help after any type of traumatic harm.
Also, confiding in a trusted friend or mandated reporter, such as a professor or resident assistant, is important if you do not feel comfortable reporting an incident yourself.
So, as the school year trucks along, and parties, events and festivities inevitably occupy weeknights and weekends, remember to stay vigilant, safe and understand the resources available to you and others not just during the Red Zone, but wherever you go.
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