Advocates against sexual assault warn of ‘Red Zone’ period for coming weeks

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Advocates against sexual assault say the coming weeks are a 'Red Zone' period where students are more vulnerable to sexual assault.

Advocates are offering advice on preventing assault, asking for consent and resources for victims.

"There is something that is called the Red Zone," Nightcap CEO Shirah Bernard said. "It's a period of time from August to fall break where sexual assault cases rise on college campuses."

Nightcap is a company that sells drink spiking prevention devices. These range from scrunchies that can cover your drink, to stickers and more.

"It's really important to note this just so college kids can take precautions and go out with people they trust," Bernard said.

"Cover your drinks, and never leave them unattended and kind of like, just make sure you listen to your intuition," Bernard said.

SafeBae specializes in educating middle and high school students about sexual-assault awareness and prevention. It aims to teach students young so they are aware later.

"It is critical that we do education as young as possible in age-appropriate ways through the lifetime to really work on education through all of those experiences in developing an understanding of intimacy," said the Founding executive director of SafeBae Shale Norris.

Norris said two of the things they specialize in teaching are consent and active bystander intervention.

"I think one of the biggest reasons that the red zone exists ... is because you're in a new environment," Norris said. "You may have not established the friend groups that you had in high school."

Norris said using the "buddy system" is a must, and never letting your friends go home with strangers, especially if they are intoxicated, can help prevent assault.

"Don't hook up with somebody if you are inebriated, and don't leave your friends to like to hook up with somebody," Norris said.

Bystander intervention extends to people you may not know. Norris said if you see somebody who looks like they are in an uncomfortable situation it might be a good idea to intervene.

"There is strength in numbers," Norris said.

During the past few years, the University of Missouri's Annual Fire Safety and Security Report shows there has been an increase in rape and domestic violence while stalking and fondling stayed relatively the same.

Rape Reports:

• 2021 - 25 Total
• 2020 - 22 Total
• 2019 - 19 Total

Domestic Violence Reports:

• 2021 - 26 Total
• 2020 - 13 Total
• 2019 - 20 Total

Stalking Reports:

• 2021 - 23 Total
• 2020 - 25 Total
• 2019 - 36 Total

If you do find yourself in the unfortunate position of being a victim of sexual assault, you are advised to know your rights, if you are a student, knowing Title XI and reaching out to RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline.

The Hotline is 800,656.HOPE or you can Chat with and advocate online.

This is a developing story check back for updates.