Date Rape and Drugs
The last thing she remembers is being at the prom, having fun. Now she’s awake, lying in a bed next to her date, naked. She’s terrified and can’t remember what happened. But she thinks she’s been raped. She is the victim of a growing problem, date or acquaintance rape using drugs.
Alcohol is the most commonly used date rape drug. It’s not uncommon for a boy who’s planning an assault to pressure his date into drinking heavily so she will be less capable of resisting an assault. However, two other drugs, Rohypnol and GHB, are called date rape drugs for their potential to cause blackouts and amnesia at high doses. Although illegal, both are readily available.
Both drugs are tasteless and odorless and act rapidly. When either drug is slipped into someone’s drink, they can intoxicate the victim, making it easier to rape her. Later the drugs can cause amnesia, making her uncertain about whether she was sexually assaulted.
To protect yourself against date rape, it’s important to:
- Always watch your drink and never leave it unattended
- Do not take any beverage from someone you do not know well and trust
- At parties, do not accept open container drinks from anyone
- At a bar or club, accept drinks only from the bartender, waiter or waitress
- If you leave to go to the rest room or dance, get a new drink upon returning
- If you believe you have consumed a sedative-like substance, you should be driven to a hospital emergency room or call 911 for an ambulance; try to keep a sample of the beverage for analysis
Remember, to protect yourself against date rape, don’t use alcohol and other drugs, they can cloud your judgment and understanding of what another person wants. Always watch your drink and never leave it unattended. And trust yourself—if you feel uncomfortable with a person or in a situation, leave.
If you think you have been raped, call
PITTSBURGH ACTION AGAINST RAPE: 412-765-2731.
Last Updated: September 10, 2008