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teenage sex
Rape Drugs
aka Date Rape Drugs
We know that for centuries rapists have used alcohol as a means to sedate
their victims in order to commit sexual assault. Today, rapists can choose a
wide variety of substances to commit crimes of assault.
In recent years, survivors of sexual assault have been
drugged by
sedating substances, usually when slipped into a beverage. These drug
related sexual assaults pose unique difficulties for both survivors and for
those who are trying to reduce the risk. The general advice provided here is
that any substance can be used to sedate women and men for the purposes of
raping them.
Based on the information the authorities have about the use of these date rape
drugs, we know that people of all ages are potentially vulnerable --
however, we also know that both sexual assault and high risk drinking occurs
more amongst youth and young adults. We also know that both young women and
young men have been drugged and sexually assaulted, and that women are more
likely to be sexually assaulted, not only with rape drugs, but in other ways
as well.
What exactly are date rape drugs?
Technically speaking, any substance that renders you incapable of saying
"no" or asserting yourself and your needs can be used to commit rape.
This can include things like alcohol, marijuana or other street drugs,
designer or club drugs like ecstasy, over-the-counter sleeping pills and
antihistamines, even cold medications. However, the term "date rape drug"
usually applies to the drugs
Rohypnol,
Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB) and
Ketamine Hydrochloride.
How date rape drugs work
Rape survivors generally report that they had consumed little or no
alcohol and felt terribly inebriated. The next thing they remember is waking
up with the knowledge of having survived a sexual assault. One can only
imagine how frightening this may be for survivors. Imagine what it is like
to wake up, knowing that you have been assaulted, but not being able to
recall the details. The effect of many of the drugs is that they cause
amnesia and unclear memories.
Police authorities report these date rape drugs (Rohypnol, Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB) and
Ketamine Hydrochloride) are being used in bars, nightclubs,
restaurants, parties, coffee shops, etc. One survivor recounted a story of
being raped after being drugged on an airplane flight. Imagine how she
felt when no one helped her, and she was incapable of preventing the
assault.
What makes these date rape drugs so effective
The drugs are virtually undetectable; they are tasteless, odorless and
colorless. All traces of the drugs leave the body within 72 hours of
ingestion and are not found in any routine toxicology screen or blood test -
doctors and police have to be looking specifically for them and they have to
look quickly! Date rape drugs are easily slipped into drinks and food and
are very fast acting. They render the victim unconscious but responsive with
little or no memory of what happens while the drug is active in their
system. The drugs also make the victim act without inhibition, often in a
sexual or physically affectionate way. Like most drugs, date rape drugs
render a person incapable of thinking clearly or of making appropriate
decision. This makes for a very passive victim, one who is still able to
play a role in what is happening but who will have no clear memory of what
happened after-the-fact. Without any memory of events the victim is often
unaware that they have even been raped, and if they are aware or have
suspicions they make very poor witnesses.
Have you been sexually assaulted by someone
who used a date rape drug? How do you
know?
Last updated: 8/05
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