Every fall, campuses across South Florida, from FIU in Miami up to FAU in Boca Raton, welcome a new wave of students full of excitement, promise and possibility. Yet many families don’t talk about one critical issue: the “Red Zone.” This term refers to the first six to 10 weeks of the academic year, when college students, particularly first-year women, are at the highest risk of experiencing sexual assault.
Research shows that more than half of college sexual assaults occur between August and November, a time when students are navigating independence, forming friendships and attending social events, often in environments where alcohol and peer pressure play a role. They may not yet know how to gauge unsafe situations, set boundaries or identify campus support. The combination of vulnerability and inexperience makes the Red Zone a pressing issue at any college campus.
Frank Kotey is a licensed mental health therapist based in Fort Lauderdale. (courtesy, Frank Kotey)
Many families do not have frank talks about sexual violence. Some assume their children already know how to protect themselves, while others worry about scaring them or lack the confidence to bring up the topic. But silence is dangerous. By not talking about sexual consent, respect and resources, parents miss a crucial opportunity to equip their children with the tools they need to navigate college life safely.
What should these conversations look like? First, they should begin early, ideally before leaving for college. Talks do not need to be lectures or warnings. Instead, they can be conversations grounded in care and respect. Parents might start with open-ended questions like: “What does consent mean to you?”, “If you saw a friend in a situation at a party, what would you do?”, or “If something happened, who on campus would you turn to for help?” Reinforcing this can make a difference in whether they feel safe reaching out.
Parents should also emphasize that sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. Too often, messages around drinking, clothing or behavior imply that responsibility lies with the person harmed. Reassuring students that are harmed that they are never to blame and that help is available can make them more likely to seek support if they or a friend are affected.
It is equally important to discuss recognizing and addressing problematic situations. Students who are empowered to step in, whether by breaking up the situation, checking in with a friend, or calling for help, can prevent harm. Parents can reinforce that caring for others is just as crucial as protecting themselves.
Conversations about the Red Zone are not only for daughters. Sons need to hear these messages, too. Young men must understand what healthy, respectful relationships look like, and that eager consent is not optional; it is mandatory. Talking about peer pressure, gender expectations and alcohol can help young men navigate situations where their choices impact others.
Obviously, parents do not need to have all the answers. They can guide their children toward campus resources:
University of Miami (UM): Counseling Center, Title IX Office, It’s On Us UM campaign
Florida International University (FIU): Counseling & Psychological Services, Victim Empowerment Program, Student Health & Wellness, FIU Police
Florida Atlantic University (FAU): Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Title IX, Counseling & Psychological Services
Nova Southeastern University (NSU): Henderson Student Counseling Center, Title IX Compliance Office
Miami Dade College (MDC): Student Wellness Center, Single Stop, Campus Security.
Simply knowing where to turn can make a tremendous difference in a crisis. These discussions may be uncomfortable, but what is more painful is a young person experiencing a traumatic event without the knowledge or support to cope with it. Silence protects no one. Speaking up, even imperfectly, sends a message: “I care about your safety, I believe in your ability to make good choices, and I am here if you ever need me.”
The Red Zone is real at our own institutions in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. What does make a difference is open dialogue, consistent support and equipping young adults with knowledge before they step into those first critical weeks of college. Parents cannot be on campus with their children, but they can give them something just as valuable: the tools to recognize danger, respect boundaries and seek help when needed. These lessons extend beyond the first semester and help shape the culture of South Florida campuses and the adults our children will become.
Frank Kotey is a licensed mental health therapist based in Fort Lauderdale, specializing in trauma therapy at the Florida International University counseling center. He is also pursuing a doctorate in applied social psychology.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/10/26/before-college-talk-about-the-red-zone-opinion/
