BUFFALO, N.Y. — The start of a new school year can be especially dangerous for college students.
More than half of college sexual assaults happen from the start of the school year through November, according to RAINN.
Students in their first and second semesters are most at risk. Experts say newer students might not know what resources are available to them.
The students also can worry how it might affect their social lives.
"These are students who are making new friends. They're expanding their social circle. And we know that 8 out of 10 rapes are committed by a perpetrator known to the victim," says Erinn Robinson of RAINN.
Another barrier is fear of not being believed. RAINN wants people to know it's not just victims who need to act.
Using the acronym CARE, the group wants bystanders to do something.
- C-stands for create a distraction.
- A-stands for ask directly.
- R- is refer to an authority, whether it's police or an advisor.
- E- is for enlisting others
The #MeToo Movement has encouraged more survivors to come forward.
For more information call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.
It's staffed 24-7 to help victims get the resources available.
