Sexual Assault FOR VICTIMS OF
CRIME
RAPE
Victims of sexual assault are:
3 times more likely to suffer from depression.
6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
13 times more likely to abuse alcohol
Statistics indicate that one in five women is likely to be the victim of an attempted or a completed sexual assault in her lifetime. That is based on the number of reported assaults. For a number of reasons many sexual assaults go un-reported. So in reality it is more like one in 3 women will be assaulted in her lifetime
Approximately 73% of victims will know their attacker
38% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance.
28% are an intimate.
7% are a relative.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN RAPED
In recent years a new kind of rape threat has reared it's ugly head at parties, on campuses and in nightclubs - so called "predator" or "date rape" drugs. 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 these drugs -
Rohypnol (pronounced row-hip-nol) is a strong sedative which is similar to the drug Valium, but is 10 times stronger than Valium. Rohypnol is a small white tablet that is single or cross-scored on one side and has the word "Roche" on the other side. It also has a circled numeral 1 or 2 on it. Drug street names change all the time, but it is often known as: "roofies", "rophies", "roche", "rope", "R2", and "Trip-and-Fall". Rohypnol dissolves easily in almost all beverages & it's effects are enhanced when mixed with alcohol. It is colorless odorless and tasteless when dissolved in any liquid. This drug causes sedation, loss of one's inhibitions. blackouts, amnesia, and can result in a coma or even death. This drug is especially dangerous because it is so inexpensive, costing as little as $1.00 per tablet. The drug's sedating effect leaves the victim with little or no memory of the sexual assault.
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid) An odorless, colorless liquid that is usually ingested in a liquid mixture; most commonly mixed with alcohol
GHB has been used in the commission of sexual assaults because it
renders the victim incapable of resisting, and may cause memory
problems that could complicate case prosecution. Street Names: Liquid Ecstasy, Scoop, Easy Lay, Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid X, and Goop
Ketamine
Ketamine is an anesthetic that is abused for its hallucinogenic
properties. Its predominant legitimate use is as a veterinary
anesthetic; however, it has been approved for use with both animals
and humans. Abuse of the drug gained popularity when users discovered
that it produced effects similar to those associated with PCP. Because
of its anesthetic properties, ketamine also reportedly has been used
by sexual predators to incapacitate their intended victims. Ketamine generally is sold as either a colorless, odorless liquid or white or off-white powder.In either its powder or liquid forms, ketamine is mixed with
beverages or added to smokable materials such as marijuana or tobacco. In addition to the risks associated with ketamine itself,
individuals who use the drug may put themselves at risk of sexual
assault. Sexual predators reportedly have used ketamine to
incapacitate their intended victims--either by lacing unsuspecting
victims' drinks with the drug or by offering ketamine to victims who
consume the drug without understanding the effects it will produce. The most common names for ketamine are K, special K, cat valium,
and vitamin K.
Ecstasy (MDMA) also referred to as XTC
Ecstasy is the name for MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine). MDMA
(and its close relation MDA) are classified as enactogens, drugs that
have stimulant, hallucinogenic and mood-improving qualities. Ecstasy
is almost always swallowed in 60 to 120 mg pills. The strength and
contents of Ecstasy tablets cannot be known accurately. Sometimes these
pills are stamped with symbols (like clover leafs, horseshoes, or
smiley faces) . All Ecstasy available on the street is produced in
unregulated black market laboratories.
How can I protect myself from being a victim?
- Don't accept drinks from other people.
- Open containers yourself.
- Keep your drink with you at all times, even when you go to the bathroom.
- Don't share drinks.
- Don't drink from punch bowls or other large, common, open containers. They may already have drugs in them.
- Don't drink anything that tastes or smells strange. Sometimes, GHB tastes salty.
- Have a non-drinking friend with you to make sure nothing happens.
- If you think that you have been drugged and raped:
- Go to the police station or hospital right away.
- Get a urine (pee) test as soon as possible. The drugs leave your system quickly. Rohypnol stays in the body for several hours, and can be detected in the urine up to 72 hours after taking it. GHB leaves the body in 12 hours.
- Don't urinate before getting help.
- Don't douche, bathe, or change clothes before getting help. These things may give evidence of the rape.
- You also can call a crisis center or a hotline to talk with a counselor. One national hotline is the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Feelings of shame, guilt, fear and shock are normal. It is important to get counseling from a trusted professional.
For more information...
For more information on date rape drugs, contact the National Women's Health Information Center at 800-994-9662 or the following organizations:
Drug Enforcement Administration, DOJ
Phone: (202) 307-1000
Internet Address: http://www.usdoj.gov/dea
Food and Drug Administration, OPHS, HHS
Phone: (800) 332-4010 Hotline or (888) 463-6332 (Consumer Information)
Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov
National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, HHS
Phone: (800) 662-4357 Hotline or (800) 662-9832 Spanish Language Hotline
Internet Address: http://www.drugabuse.gov
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Phone: (800) 666-3332 (Information Clearinghouse)
Internet Address: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/index.html)
Internet Address: http://www.fda.gov
National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, HHS
Phone: (800) 662-4357 Hotline or (800) 662-9832 Spanish Language Hotline
Internet Address: http://www.drugabuse.gov
