In recent years, Australian university ‘Orientation Weeks’ (O Weeks) have been highlighted as a time of pronounced vulnerability, particularly for new students. Sexual assault, hazing and excessive alcohol consumption have led sexual assault advocates to dub this week ‘The Red Zone’.

Research has recently found that residential colleges suffer from particular problems. One in eight attempted or completed sexual assaults at the University of Sydney (USyd) colleges will occur during a single week of the year - O week. International literature also supports the finding that this is a time of increased vulnerability for students, particularly first-year women. Likewise, sexual assault services around Australia have also noted an increase in demand for service during and then immediately following Orientation Week. There are currently 39'universities in Australia with 216 residential colleges or halls attached to them. This report includes case studies at 12 universities, including all the Group of Eight universities. Data was gathered in an eight-week time frame through interviews, Freedom of Information requests, and a review of available social media material and mainstream media reporting. (From the executive summary). Record #5815