In our survey, we employed a gender-specific measure of binge drinking to account for the greater number of problems women experience at the same consumption rate as men. Women who join sororities have had fewer binged drinking experiences in high school than men who join fraternities, yet in college they binge drink at the same rate as men. The mix of alcohol and inexperience puts them in grave jeopardy for sexual assault. Acquaintance rape is one of the most salient health issues for women on college campuses. Nationally, one of 10 female frequent binge drinkers reported engaging in nonconsensual sex while under the influence of alcohol.
Female students are an important target group for promoting mutual caretaking messages.
Informally today we already see women designated to stay sober and watch out for their friends at heavy drinking parties. Many college campuses have well-established women's centers that are credible and effective advocates for women's health and status. The staff of these centers need to be concerned about the ways in which binge drinking and alcohol abuse are women's health issues. Women's centers on colleges should be partners in efforts to reduce binge drinking and related harms. It is especially important to pay attention to mutual caretaking motives in light of the evidence on how underage students obtain alcohol.