Our View: Red Zone Week

Red Zone Week has become a tradition of sorts at Utah State University; and each year the message is spread in bigger and better ways. This week look for an inflatable boxing ring, free giveaways and even some free food. A nationally recognized time of danger, particularly for freshman girls, USU police and other campus organizations make Red Zone a priority every fall.

But why? And what do inflatable boxing rings have to do with preventing rape?

It is estimated that one in four college women have survived a rape or sexual assault since their 14th birthday – but the U.S. Department of Justice reports that only one in 20 sexual assaults and rapes that occur on a college campus are ever reported. Those speaking out have some very loud silence to break.

We encourage all students to take advantage of the information both the USU police and the Sexual Assault Anti-Violence Information office will be offering. Sexual violence is not just a “woman’s problem.” As Rachel Hickman, SAAVI coordinator, put it, “Most rapes are committed by men, but most men are not rapists.” While efforts to educate women about protecting themselves are important, we recognize USU’s progressive efforts to educate men on how to stop others from hurting the women around them. A few good men can make a difference.

Men themselves are not immune from sexual violence. Statistics predict that one in 12 men will be raped in their lifetime. The services that will be advertised this week are available to the entire USU community; male or female, married or single, student or faculty.

So get involved and don’t be afraid to actually enjoy the activities. Rape and sexual violence are no longer subjects to be spoken about in hushed voices. Crimes as dark as these are best fought out in the open.