date rape

Date Rape is forced or coerced sex between partners, dates, friends, friends of friends or general acquaintances.  Date Rape is the most common form of rape with one in four girls expected to fall victim to rape or attempted rape before they reach 25. Three out of five rapes occur before a woman reaches 18.

In recent years, a new kind of rape threat has reared its ugly head at parties, on campuses and in nightclubs - date rape drugs. To prevent yourself and your friends from becoming victims of date rape drugs, you need to know what you are up against. While many sedatives have been used as date rape drugs, Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine are the ones you are most likely to encounter.

• GHB - Short for gamma-hydroxybutyrate, GHB is most often administered to victims as a clear liquid with a salty taste, but can also be found in capsule and powder forms.
• Ketamine - Administered in liquid, tablet and powder form, Ketamine is a fast-acting general anesthetic often used by veterinarians. 
• Rohypnol - Often dropped into beverages in tablet form, Rohypnol is a potent and fast-acting sedative that dissolves rapidly, leaving no detectable taste, color or odor.
• Be aware that the most common date rape drug is alcohol. So watch what you drink, and how much, and look out for each other. If you start feeling a buzz, don't accept another drink. 

Prevention Tips

• Never leave your drink unattended. 
• Do not accept open-container drinks from anyone but a bartender or server. 
• Be discriminating in what you choose to drink. A punch bowl, for instance, is very easy to spike with a date rape drug. It's also easy to spike a keg before inserting the tap. Choose a drink that is in an individual can or bottle. As long as it goes "whoosh" when you open it, you can be pretty confident that it hasn't been tampered with.
• Attend parties or bars with a group of friends, arranging beforehand to watch each other's drinks. If you arrive as a group, leave as a group. 
• Watch out for your friends. If a friend shows symptoms of date rape drug ingestion, seek medical attention immediately.  Signs to look for include: Dizziness and/or nausea, memory loss, breathing or motion difficulties, and acting disproportionately intoxicated relative to the amount of alcohol consumed. 
• Don't let drugs or alcohol cloud your judgment.  
• Communicate your limits firmly and directly.
• Be assertive - don't let anyone violate your space. 
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings, leave.

What do you do if you have been raped or sexually assaulted

• Take immediate action.
• Don't shower, bathe or douche. Go immediately to any emergency room.
• Some of your clothing may be needed for evidence. Bring clothing, or have someone bring it to you.
• Participate in a full rape exam.
• Be sure to get there within 12 to 24 hours if you think a date rape drug may have been used.
• Talk to hospital staff about whether you need any tests for any diseases, or should take any medicine as a precaution. If you are concerned about pregnancy from the assault, discuss this with the ER staff.
• Advocates are available to meet you at the hospital for emotional support and to be with you as you talk to emergency room staff and police officers. Ask a nurse to help you call your local 24-hour hotline.
• It is important to file a report with the police. Generally, the person who raped you will not be charged with your rape unless you agree to participate in a trial. Most rapists have more than one victim - you may be able to help other people who've had the same awful experience, and prevent someone else from being assaulted.
• Talk to people to help you recover - post-traumatic stress syndrome can occur after a rape. Groups where you can talk with other victims and counselors may be available in your area.
• If you are afraid to be in your home or afraid the rapist may attack you again, an advocate can help you develop a personal safety plan.
• Protection Orders are available if someone stalks you - follows you in person or threatens you by phone, e-mail, etc. An advocate can help you apply.

Contact your local YWCA for more information.