It's On Us: The Red Zone and Walk Against Sexual Assault
Marist students walking around campus during the Walk to End Sexual Violence with a banner signed by Marist students. Photo by Ava Battinelli '26
TW: Discussion of Sexual Violence, Assault
On Sept. 3, Marist University’s Title IX office and It’s On Us partnered to host a Walk to End Sexual Violence. Beginning on the Champagnat Green, students, athletes and faculty gathered to pledge to help end sexual misconduct on college campuses.
The beginning of the fall semester marks the start of a critical period on college campuses, known as the “Red Zone.” This time, spanning from the first week of classes through Thanksgiving break, is when more than 50% of all sexual assaults occur. This can be attributed to the transition into a new environment, as well as the increased social activity and limited awareness of campus resources. This makes the Red Zone a vital time to educate students on campus resources and how they can be active bystanders.
A Department of Justice study from 2014 examined nine colleges that reported a cumulative 629 sexual assaults amongst first-year students, in just September and October alone. This was more than occurred in the next four months combined – only worsening in recent years.
As attendees arrived and signed the pledge, they received a handout to raise their educate them about what the Red Zone is and what we as the Marist community can do to “foster a culture of safety, respect and accountability.”
The handout encourages students to get involved in prevention programs and to educate themselves and others. It explained that by attending events that discuss consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention, we can learn more about the dynamics of sexual violence and the issues that many survivors face.
Before the walk began, Eliza Benfer, Title IX outreach coordinator, thanked students and faculty for attending the event. She ended her speech by saying, “Just by being here today, attending a prevention program, you are directly supporting survivors [...] survivors notice when people in their communities show up to support them at events like this. So, I will say for myself, as well as any other survivors here or on campus: thank you for taking time out of your day to be here with us.”
The walk began outside the Champagnat green and made its way through the heart of campus. At the front of the procession, women on the swim and dive team carried a large banner covered in signatures representing the pledges to help end sexual violence.
As explained on the Marist website, Marist has a variety of resources for students seeking guidance with issues of sexual misconduct on campus; each faculty and staff member is here to support students. However, it is essential to note the different reporting responsibilities to maintain confidentiality.
Confidential resources do not report to the college, so an investigation or discipline cannot occur, but they can connect individuals with other resources and provide them with accommodations and support services through the Title IX Coordinator. These resources include Health Services, Counseling Services and Ordained Clergy.
Non-confidential resources include all other Marist employees, as they are required to share disclosures of policy violations with the Title IX Office. You can also report any issues to the Student Conduct and Safety and Security Offices.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment or any other Title IX–related concerns, please reach out to Marist’s Title IX Office for support and resources.