By Diana Huizinga

I remember my first exposure to the topic of sexual violence on college campuses. It was 2017. I was a junior. While watching pre-recorded modules on bystander intervention and drinking responsibly, I learned that students are most likely to experience sexual violence during the first few months of their first year (otherwise known as the “red zone”). I wondered, “Why didn’t anyone tell me that two years ago?” 

While I was fortunate to not experience sexual violence during college, several of my friends did. Since then, I’ve learned not only the extent of the problem but how important it is to connect survivors to resources. 

For example, a study in the Journal of American College Health found that female students have a 74% higher chance of experiencing sexual violence than their same-age peers who are not in college. The American Psychological Association reports that male students have a 78% higher chance of experiencing sexual violence than their same-age peers, and that students who live on campus, are from marginalized communities, and/or have a disability are further at risk. Research also shows that survivors of sexual violence are at an increased risk for mental health concerns, long-term health consequences, and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. 

Students are increasingly facing online sexual exploitation through sextortion. According to the FBI, “sextortion is a serious crime that occurs when someone threatens to distribute your private and sensitive material if you don’t provide them images of a sexual nature, sexual favors, or money.” The FBI recently warned student-athletes about sextortion, noting that their public profiles can make them targets. One way students are being exploited is by receiving a fake account-disable notice and being asked to reset their passwords. Perpetrators are then using that information to obtain, sell, and blackmail students’ private images. This is not just a problem for college athletes. It is a growing issue among high school students as well. According to a 2026 report in the Journal of Child Abuse & Neglect, over 15% of high school students experience sextortion, and this significantly increases their risk of suicidality compared to students who did not experience sextortion. 

At the National Center for Victims of Crime, we believe in creating spaces where survivors feel heard and respected and have the opportunity to heal. Knowing what resources are available to help your friends, family, and community (or yourself) is also important. Here are some resources that you can use to help survivors of sexual violence and sextortion: 

• VictimConnect Rescourse Map: where you can find local rape crisis centers or other resources for victims of crime that can provide ongoing support.
• Take it Down Portal (Adults) and Take it Down Portal (Minors) – can help remove intimate image abuse materials and child sexual abuse materials from the internet.
• IC3 – a federal reporting tool where victims can report sextortion and other cybercrime. 
• If the survivor is a college student, university resources, such as student services, counseling, and Title IX, may also be available. Love is Respect has some great resources on campus safety and students’ rights. 

Our Victim Assistance Specialists are available 24/7 to help victims and survivors of all types of crime (and their friends and family members) find resources in their area and provide emotional support. 

*Note: You may be a mandatory reporter in your state. Please follow your local state guidelines. If you or someone you know is physically unsafe and at risk of violence, contact your local emergency services. 

Diana Huizinga is a communications specialist at NCVC and former victim assistance specialist.