Red Zone: Temporal Risk for Unwanted Sex Among College Students

• NCJ Number: 237087
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2008 Pages: 1177-1196
• Author(s): William F. Flack, Jr.; Marcia L. Caron; Sarah J. Leinen; Katherine G. Breitenbach; Ann M. Barber; Elaine N. Brown; Caitlin T. Gilbert; Taylor F. Harchak; Melissa M. Hendricks; Catherine E. Rector; Heather T. Schatten; Heather C. Stein
• Date Published: September 2008
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated the "red zone" which refers to the first few weeks of the first semester at college, when female students are believed to be at greatest risk for experiencing unwanted sex.

Abstract

The "red zone" usually refers to the first few weeks of the first semester at college, when female students are believed to be at greatest risk for experiencing unwanted sex. The authors tested this notion using data from a survey study of 207 first-and second-year students (121 women, 84 men) at a small liberal arts university. Results demonstrated only one significant elevation in incidence rates of first- and second-year women's unwanted sexual experiences (sexual touching, attempted and completed anal, oral, and vaginal sex), between the end of the first month and fall break (mid-October) during the second year at school. Previous research and local information about the relevant behaviors of sorority and fraternity members is discussed in light of these findings to provide heuristic material for further empirical testing. Because risk may involve both temporal and situational factors, systematic collection and dissemination of local data are recommended. (Published Abstract)