For the third year in a row, the ASUO Women’s Center will participate in the annual Red Zone campaign to bring attention to the increased number of assault cases in the first six weeks of fall term. The campaign will officially start Oct. 14 with the placement of 2,870 red flags near the Knight Library to represent the thousands of victims of sexual assault.

One reason believed to be the cause for the increase of assault cases is that University of Oregon welcomes over 20,000 students back to campus during fall term. Many have little or no support from the system and it’s a critical issue the campaign wants the public to be aware of.

For Caitlin Corona, sexual violence prevention and education coordinator for the Women’s Center, the main issue is blaming the victims and not holding the perpetrators accountable. She also emphasizes educating the public about the importance of healthy consent.

“I want to stress that anyone can be a victim of sexual violence regardless of gender identity. It’s not just a women’s issue, it’s an everyone’s issue. Everyone should care about Red Campaign because everyone can help stop sexual violence by being an active bystander and educating the public,” Corona said.

To promote the importance of the campaign, “It Can’t be Rape” posters will be placed around UO housing and the EMU. Virginia Martin, social justice and sex educator, will also discuss healthy consent on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at LLC Performance Hall. Students are welcome to attend. Martin is currently the assistant director for the Women’s Resource Center at Portland State.

Corona hopes that with the campaign, more students will make smart choices and never worry about being a victim of sexual violence.