Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Sarah Holdwick" <>]

Hello Robin,

Thank you for sharing your project with the listserv and for making an
effort to raise awareness of sexual assault on campus.

I appreciate your desire to clarify the phrase "red zone" and to
identify potentially risky situations, but see a few potential problem
areas with the first part of the message.  While the importance of
taking preventative measures to keep yourself safe, being assertive and
trusting your instincts cannot be understated, I think we need to be
careful of sending the message that 
1) you can avoid being sexually assaulted if you do XYZ 
2) it's your fault if it happens because you didn't do XYZ 
3) assailants aren't responsible for their actions.

Many people attempt to make themselves feel safer by claiming sexual
assault can never happen to them- because they don't party, because they
don't wear certain clothing, because they don't hang out with certain
people, etc.-  thereby avoiding the reality of sexual assault.  It is a
fact that in cases of sexual assault, most assailants are known to their
victims and while some sexual assaults fit the stereotypes put forth by
popular culture, most do not.  Many individuals, both men and women,
cling to a false sense of security that if only they take certain
measures, it can never happen to them or someone they love.  Reality is
quite the opposite, and unfortunately, many survivors of sexual assault
do not come forward because of the barriers they face in disclosing:
self-blame, guilt, shame, fear for their safety or that no one will
believe them, etc.  It has been my experience in my work as an advocate
that practically all survivors blame themselves in some capacity for
what happened.  Our message needs to be clear: There is no excuse for
sexual assault.  It is wise to take preventative measures, but even if a
person does not, and chooses to participate in the aforementioned "red
zone" behaviors, nobody deserves to be sexually assaulted.  

I like the part about looking out for yourself and your friends, and
getting help if you need it.  This part reflects a new trend in sexual
assault awareness efforts of focusing on bystanders and personal
responsibility of both men and women instead of victim-blaming.

Many new sexual assault prevention education efforts are targeting men
(who after all make up the majority of perpetrators of sexual assault)
and bystanders by using language which holds each individual accountable
for his/her actions, and by providing healthy alternatives to the often
destructive masculinity so ubiquitous in our culture.  For college
crowds, there are several organizations doing incredible work of
extremely high quality and substance that you may be interested in
checking out.

Men Can Stop Rape http://www.mencanstoprape.org/
My Strength media campaign by Men Can Stop Rape
http://www.mystrength.org/
One-In-Four http://www.oneinfourusa.org/
"Sex Signals" theatre group http://www.catharsisproductions.com/

You might also consider contacting Ben Atherton-Zeman through his
website at http://www.voicesofmen.org/ or Jackson Katz at
http://www.jacksonkatz.com/
Also, A Call to Men http://www.acalltomen.com/

Individuals on this listserv may have additional ideas.

With respect,


Sarah Holdwick
Sexual Assault Advocate & Prevention Educator
Underground Railroad, Inc.
(989)755-0143



-----Original Message-----
From: 

[mailto:]
 On Behalf Of Garrett, Robin
Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 12:23 PM
To: 
Subject: Red Zone

Given that the phrase "red zone" is really catchy, I developed a message
(see below) using the phrase and is not related to this question of
vulnerability of new students. If you like the language, please feel
free to use.  
Feminism is the radical notion that women are people.
Robin Garrett,
Women's Center Director 
West Chester University
West Chester PA 19383
610-436-2122

There is no way to peace.  Peace is the way.


Are you in the 

RED ZONE?

     What is the RED ZONE?  The Red Zone is any situation or state of
mind that makes you more vulnerable to someone who has set out to have
sex with you whether you want to or not You can protect yourself by
taking the time to get to know people before you party with them, by
sticking with friends (especially if you have been drinking), by being
aware of and avoiding anyone trying to get you drunk or get you alone if
you don't want to be, and by getting yourself quickly out of any
situation you are not comfortable with even if it means making a scene.

     Watch out for yourself.  Watch out for your friends.  And if you'd
like more information about how to prevent sexual assault or how to help
someone who has been assaulted call: 

Then the flyer has on and off campus phone numbers for where to get help
or information..

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