Risk of Unwanted Sex for College Women: Evidence for a Red Zone

OBJECTIVE: University and college health and counseling centers frequently warn female students about the red zone-a period early in a student's first year at college during which she may be at higher risk for unwanted sexual experiences (UWS). The authors designed this study to assess temporal risk for UWS in 1st- and 2nd-year college women. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: In March 2006, the authors randomly selected 50 first-year and 52 second-year students (representing one-sixth of each class year) to complete a modified Sexual Experiences Survey. RESULTS: First-year women were at higher risk for UWS than were second-year women--particularly, early in the fall semester. The authors observed a significant linear effect during participants' combined first years in school, with more reports of UWS occurring early in the year. CONCLUSION: This study provides support for a red zone and highlights the need for investigating local norms for UWS.