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Red Zone

Picture of Red Zone Flag

 

The ‘Red Zone’ refers to the period of time early in students’ first or second years at college during which they are at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence, coercion, and/or manipulation. 

The Red Zone Awareness Campaign seeks to educate Western Carolina University students, faculty, and staff about what it means to have healthy relationships, the importance of consent, and how to access resources on campus. Red Zone also serves to bring awareness to the dangers of sexual violence and the power of using your voice to speak up when you see violent behavior occurring. WCU strives to create a culture in which sexual violence is not tolerated. Visit Safe at WCU to learn more about what to do if you, or someone you know, experience sexual violence.

FALL 2023 RED ZONE SCHEDULE

Picture of red flags

 


Wednesday, August 23rd - What is Red Zone? Info Table
10am-2pm, UC Lawn

Wednesday, September 6th - Consent and Chill
Free frozen treats all day! Ask your RA or visit ICA, UC 227

Wednesday, September 6th - What is Red Zone? Info Table
10am-2pm, UC Lawn

Wednesday, September 13th - Gallery Giveaways
8am-8pm, ICA Gallery, 2nd floor UC

Wednesday, September 20th - RAD Express Self Defense Training
2-3pm, ICA Lounge, UC 227

Wednesday, September 27th - Step Up! Bystander Intervention Training
2-4pm, UC Catamount, 215
Registration Required

What is consent'?

An understandable exchange of affirmative words or actions, which objectively indicate a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon activity. Consent must be informed and freely and actively given. The lack of a negative response is not consent. An individual who is incapacitated by alcohol and/or drugs (voluntarily or involuntarily consumed) cannot give consent. Past consent for any activity does not imply ongoing future consent.  An individual who is unable to give consent as defined by law cannot give consent (examples include, but are not limited to, individuals under the age of consent, individuals who have disabilities which limit their ability to give consent, etc.).

How does consent work in real life?

When you’re engaging in sexual activity, consent is about communication. And it should happen every time. Giving consent for one activity, one time, does not mean giving consent for increased or recurring sexual contact. For example, agreeing to kiss someone doesn’t give that person permission to remove your clothes. Having sex with someone in the past doesn’t give that person permission to have sex with you again in the future. 

You can change your mind at any time.  

You can withdraw consent at any point if you feel uncomfortable. It’s important to clearly communicate to your partner that you are no longer comfortable with this activity and wish to stop. The best way to ensure both parties are comfortable with any sexual activity is to talk about it.

Positive consent can look like this:

  • Communicating when you change the type or degree of sexual activity with phrases like, 'Is this ok?'
  • Explicitly agreeing to certain activities, either by saying 'yes' or another affirmative statement like, 'I'm open to trying.'
  • Using physical cues to let the other person know you're comfortable taking things to the next level.

Consent does NOT look like this:

  • Refusing to acknowledge 'No' and/or lack of consent.
  • Assuming that wearing certain clothes, flirting or kissing is an invitation for other activities without consent.
  • Someone being under the legal age of consent, as defined by the state.
  • Someone being incapacitated for any reason
  • Pressuring someone into sexual activity by using fear, violence, or intimidation.
  • Assuming you have permission to engage in a sexual act because of prior activity.

(Adapted from RAINN)

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that receives federal funding. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include and form of sexual violence, sexual misconduct, and/or sexual assault. As a student, the federal government guarantees, and WCU supports, certain rights for those that have experienced sexual violence: 

  • You have the right to report the incident to WCU and/or law enforcement (which will initiate an investigation) and have your complaint resolved promptly and equitably. 
  • You have the right to reasonable protections as necessary. WCU will work to provide these resources promptly, even before the completion of an investigation.
  • Upon making a report, you have the right to receive some immediate help (i.e. class schedule alterations, switching residence hall rooms/buildings, etc.).  WCU will work to implement assistance and resource availability to reasonably minimize the burden on you.
  • Your school should clearly identify where you can go to talk to someone confidentially and who can provide services like advocacy, counseling, or academic support. Some people, such as counselors or victim advocates, can talk to you in confidence without triggering a school’s investigation. 
  • You have the right to be notified of the timeframes for all major stages of the investigation. 
  • You have the right to present witnesses and evidence. 
  • If an investigation reveals that sexual violence created a hostile environment, your school must take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the sexual violence, eliminate the hostile environment, prevent its recurrence, and, as appropriate, remedy its effects.  

More information on student rights granted by Title IX.
WCU Title IX

WCU Resources

  • Victims Advocate
  • University Police Department - non-emergency: 828.227.7301
  • University Emergency: 828.227.8911
  • Health Services: 828.227.7640
  • Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students: 828.227.7147
  • Student Community Ethics: 828.227.7234
  • Counseling and Psychological Services: 828.227.7469

Western NC Community Resources

 

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