At the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center, I often ask people to consider what it means when a survivor bravely seeks justice only to find that the system isn’t built to support them. Summer Willis’s story is a heartbreaking and inspiring example of that reality.

As your teen heads to college, one critical conversation often gets missed: how to stay safe during the Red Zone, the time between move-in and Thanksgiving when students face a higher risk of sexual assault. Learn how to start the conversation with care, clarity, and confidence.

Every fall, college campuses across the country come alive with excitement, new beginnings, and endless possibilities. Beneath the surface of move-in days and first classes, however, another reality exists. It is often unspoken yet deeply important. This period is known as the Red Zone. 

Last week we shared a deeply personal account from Jane Doe, a survivor, who bravely opened about the public response to high-profile abuse cases like Cassie’s. Her story highlighted the pain, doubt, and isolation that survivors often face because of not just the trauma itself but society’s reactions.

When survivors share their stories—especially in the public eye—the response can be retraumatizing. In this powerful reflection, one survivor shares how media coverage, public reactions, and cultural doubt affect those living with the trauma of sexual violence.

Introducing the Radiant Report: DARCC’s new weekly blog dedicated to empowering communities, supporting survivors, and spotlighting the latest in prevention education, policy, and advocacy.