22 Safety Tips Every College Freshman Needs to Know Especially During The "Red Zone"
Summary
I can't tell you how many people disclose past assaults to me once they hear what I do for a living. EVERY SINGLE TIME it was someone they knew. In this episode, Mandi breaks down the "red zone," the stretch from move-in day through Thanksgiving break when first-year college students are statistically most likely to experience sexual assault, including the stat that 73% of victims know their attacker.
If you have a kid heading off to college, this one's for you. Let’s prep our kids to stay safe AND not perpetrate violence. Hear 22 practical tips for staying safer this fall (for college students or anyone really!).
Resources
RAINN - The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization; created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. rainn.org 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Previous Episodes Mentioned: Project Beloved episode with Molly Jane's mother and Boundaries For Kids With Sydney and Lacye
PEACE Framework - Mandi's framework for trusting your intuition, taught in her workshops. Take the quiz to see how well you are trusting your intuition
In-Person Safety Workshop in San Diego on September 15, 2026
Connect with Mandi:
Website: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com
Take the Free Intuition Quiz: WomenAwareAndPrepared.com/Quiz
Instagram: @WomenAwareAndPrepared
LinkedIn: Mandi Pratt
TIMESTAMPS
[01:00] Last week's episode about Molly Jane’s murder and legacy with Project Beloved
[03:00] The red zone explained; three key stats from RAINN
[05:30] Why boundaries and people-pleasing matter more than "stranger danger"
[07:30] What age to start these conversations
[09:00] Mandi’s in person workshop September 15, 2026
[10:30] Two sources of harm: strangers vs. acquaintances
[11:30] 22 Safety Tips Every College Freshman Needs to Know
[32:00] Recap and join the email list to get each week’s episode
The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.
