Be Safe at College This Year

As the school year begins, college students across Tompkins County have arrived on campus equipped with a variety of unique personal experiences. Many students will live away from home for the first time. Others might be met with academic and social challenges they have never encountered before. All students deserve safety, respect, and care.

New Cornell University students pose in front of the student union

Unfortunately, this time of transformation and growth can also coincide with sexual and relationship violence. Each year, between the months of August through November, instances of sexual violence at universities in the United States increase drastically.

This period of time is known as the “red zone,” beginning at the start of the fall semester and lasting through Thanksgiving break when many students go home. More than 50 percent of college sexual assaults happen during this time, according to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN). Sexual violence does not cease as the “red zone” ends in December, so continuing these conversations is crucial.

The Advocacy Center of Tompkins County and The Sophie Fund partnered to create Be Safe at College, a simple flyer highlighting key resources to cultivate safer campuses, support sexual assault survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable. Pin a copy to your bulletin board, or upload it to your phone.

DOWNLOAD: Be Safe at College Resources

“I hope that the Be Safe at College flyer will be a resource for students to keep in their self-care toolkits, whether they think they will need it or not. It’s always helpful to know about support options for you and your friends because you deserve safety and compassion,” said Alex Kabat, Campus Educator at the Advocacy Center.

After graduating from Ithaca College in 2024, Kabat knew she wanted to provide support to the greater Ithaca community. Utilizing her own lived experiences as a college student, she provides trauma-informed education, connection to resources, and dedication to support at each local college campus: Cornell University, Ithaca College, and Tompkins Cortland Community College. She also provides programs, print materials, interactive tabling opportunities, and more. For any inquiries, email Kabat directly: akabat@actompkins.org.

“Trust your gut—you know what feels best for yourself, so lean into that innate knowledge,” said Kabat. “No matter what happens, violence is never your fault and perpetrators are the ones who should be held accountable.”

RAINN’s “Prevention Tips for Students” web page also has a wealth of helpful information for college students.

SUPPORT RESOURCES

Advocacy Center of Tompkins County

Free, confidential, local support and advocacy for survivors, friends, and families around domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse.

Hotline (607) 277-5000

Office (607) 277-3203

Instagram: @advocacytc

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network(RAINN)

RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and provides programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Hotline 24/7 (800) 656-HOPE

Online (English)

Online (en español)

Instagram: @rainnn

EMERGENCY

911 Ithaca Police Assistance

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Cornell University

Cornell Police (607) 255-1111

Cornell Health & CAPS (607) 255-5155

Victim Advocacy (607) 255-1212

Title IX Office (607) 255-2242