CODE RED: Preventing Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault

Program Overview

CODE RED is a prevention education training focused on understanding and preventing drug facilitated sexual assault. The program addresses how alcohol and other substances are commonly used to increase vulnerability and reduce a person’s ability to consent. CODE RED equips participants with knowledge and practical tools to recognize risk, intervene safely, and support one another in social environments.

Alcohol is the most frequently used substance in sexual assault, and many young people receive limited education on how impairment affects consent. CODE RED provides clear, accurate information about drug facilitated sexual assault while challenging common myths that minimize harm or place responsibility on survivors. The training is grounded in trauma informed and prevention focused principles and emphasizes safety, accountability, and shared responsibility.

CODE RED was developed by Our Voice as an extension of its Bar Outreach Project to meet the prevention needs of youth and young adults navigating social spaces where alcohol and substances may be present.

Who This Training Is For

CODE RED is designed for:

• High school students

• College students

• Young adults

• Youth serving organizations and educational institutions

The training is adapted to be developmentally appropriate and responsive to the experiences of participants.

What the Training Covers

CODE RED provides comprehensive education on drug facilitated sexual assault and prevention strategies.

Participants learn about:

• What drug facilitated sexual assault is and how it occurs

• The role of alcohol and other substances in sexual violence

• How impairment impacts a person’s ability to consent

• Common scenarios where risk increases

• Myths and misconceptions about substance use and assault

• Warning signs that someone may be intoxicated or drugged

• The difference between flirting and coercion

• Bystander intervention strategies

• How to respond when someone needs help

• Supporting peers without blame or judgment

The training uses discussion and realistic scenarios to support understanding and skill building.

Why This Training Matters

Drug facilitated sexual assault is often misunderstood and underreported. Many survivors blame themselves or are not believed because substances were involved. These misconceptions create barriers to safety, prevention, and support.

CODE RED addresses these gaps by providing clear education about consent, impairment, and accountability. When participants understand how substance use intersects with sexual violence, they are better equipped to recognize risk, intervene early, and support one another.

This training promotes safer social environments and reduces stigma around seeking help.

How the Training Works

CODE RED is delivered as an interactive, discussion based training that encourages participation and reflection. The session balances education with opportunities to practice applying concepts to real life situations.

Training elements include facilitated discussion, scenario exploration, myth busting activities, and practical prevention strategies. The training can be delivered virtually or in person and adapted to fit different group sizes and time frames.

What Participants Will Gain

By the end of the training, participants will:

• Understand what drug facilitated sexual assault is

• Recognize how alcohol and substances affect consent

• Be able to identify warning signs and risky situations

• Feel more confident intervening as bystanders

• Know how to support peers who may be at risk or harmed

• Gain tools to promote safer social spaces

Participants leave with practical knowledge they can apply in social, educational, and community settings.