Washington, DC-The first weeks of college can be an especially dangerous time for new students living on their own for the first time according to Security On Campus, Inc. (SOC) a non-profit organization devoted to campus safety. The beginning of the school year has even been nicknamed “The Red Zone” because of the high risk that new students have for being sexually assaulted.

SOC’s efforts to improve campus safety got an important boost this week when the U.S. Senate took action to recognize September as the first ever National Campus Safety Awareness Month. Senate Resolution 221 “supporting the goals and ideals of ‘National Campus Safety Awareness Month’” was passed unanimously Wednesday evening.

“Raising awareness of the need for safety on college campuses should be a priority for all of us, particularly as freshman across the country are starting their college careers,” said U.S. Senator Russ Feingold the sponsor of the campus safety month resolution.

According to the resolution, colleges and universities across the country reported a total of 86 homicides; 7,648 sex offenses; 9,649 aggravated assaults; and 3,590 arsons from 2000 to 2002. At least 1,400 college students die each year in alcohol related incidents.

“National Campus Safety Awareness Month will help to focus much needed attention on student safety during this critical time and help to prevent campus crime,” said Connie Clery, who co-founded SOC after her daughter Jeanne was murdered on campus in 1986.

“With the Senate passing this resolution they are recognizing the need across campuses nationwide to educate students and parents on campus safety issues, so that all students can have a safe and fun college career,” said Mitch Bruckert the University of Wisconsin Green Bay student leader who worked with Congress and SOC to spearhead the campus safety month initiative.