Red Zone

The first few weeks of college are considered to be a “red zone” for new freshmen coming to college. This “red zone” is what people are referring to as the increase of rape or sexual assault towards incoming freshmen.

Officials at the University of North Carolina Wilmington have said that the first month and a half of college is the time when freshmen women are most likely to be raped or sexually assaulted.

Incoming freshmen are not used to being alone in a new area and do not always know tips for avoiding sexual assault.

“Rape or sexual assault can happen to anyone. It is never the victim’s fault. It is important to note that alcohol is a factor in almost all sexual assaults on college campuses,” said Kristen Hunter, Greenville Police Department Public Information Officer. “Never leave your drink out of site, even for a second. Do not share drinks and do not drink from open punch bowls.”

Alcohol is the most common date rape drug. It compromises ones ability to make smart decisions.

Students in the Materials Science and Engineering department at North Carolina State University have invented a nail polish that will change color when it comes in contact with date-rape drugs.

The nail polish has been called “undercover colors” and the creators hope to empower women by giving them a way to detect date-rape drugs.

In order for the nail polish to change colors, the woman can discreetly stir her drink with her finger and the polish will change color if a date rape drug, such as Rohypnol, Xanax or GHB is found in the drink.

One in four college students report being raped. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tells victims to avoid taking a shower or brushing their teeth. Following those two steps helps to increase the chance of putting the attacker behind bars.

“Don’t ever hesitate or be embarrassed to call the Greenville Police Department if you have been the victim of a crime,” said Kristen Hunter. “We have a dedicated and highly trained group of detectives, as well as a Victim’s Advocate, in our Special Victims Unit.”

According to Hunter, the Greenville Police Department is working closely with ECU’s Police Department to ensure the student’s safety as they return for this school year.

“Students are offered a class or training called Rape Aggression Defense. It is a dynamic class that teaches a realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women,” said Lt. Sutton with the ECU Police Department.

Students are suggested to walk in groups, be aware of their surroundings, walk in well-lit areas, always lock car doors and report suspicious behavior immediately.

Lt. Sutton encourages students to control the situation or else the situation will control them. Students can help to control the situation by not over using alcohol or narcotics and developing a mindset that they will not be a victim.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com

(1) comment

Caswellm10

"Incoming freshmen are not used to being alone in a new area and do not always know tips for avoiding sexual assault." Avoid sexual assault? How about tips on how not to rape. "It is never the victim’s fault."

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