Post by Elisha on Mar 12, 2004 13:48:12 GMT -5
Since the early 1990’s, 78% of rapes have taken place while the victim was under the influence of what are referred to as “date-rape” drugs. In recent years, the popularity of these drugs has made “Date Rape” the most common form of rape committed. In fact, about one if four girls are expected to fall victim of rape or attempted rape before the age of twenty-five. Three out of five rapes will happen before the victim reaches the age of eighteen.
Of these drugs, the most common is Rohypnol. It is prescribed as a sleeping pill used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Rohypnol is a sedative hypnotic with effects similar to that of Valium, only ten times more potent.
Rohypnol, also known as roofies, mind-erasers, or Mexican Valium, is illegal in the United States. The use of these drugs is a federal offense, punishable by up to twenty years in prison. Rohypnol is produced and sold legally in Europe and Latin America then smuggled in to the U.S., usually by mail or delivery services. Its use has been reported on every inhabited continent in the world.
In the past few years, use of this drug among teens has increased. Most teenagers use Rohypnol to increase the effects of alcohol or to immobilize a victim before a sexual assault. Many teens use this drug because of its low cost. One tablet will usually sell for fewer than five dollars.
All traces of the drug leave the body 72 hours after ingestion, making the drug very difficult to trace through urinary analysis drug testing. Authorities have to be specifically looking for traces of the drug to find them, and they have to look immediately. This is another reason the drug is so popular.
The combination of Rohypnol and alcohol is particularly dangerous because of the effects both substances have on memory and judgment. The effects usually begin within thirty minutes of ingestion and can last for over eight hours. The mixture of these two often causes the victim to black out for eight to twenty-four hours. This is the reason most rapists prefer slipping the drug into an alcoholic beverage.
Rohypnol has no taste or odor, so most of the time the victim has no clue what is going on. About ten minutes after the drug is taken, the user may feel dizzy and nauseated. The victim may feel too hot and too cold at once, and experience difficulty moving or speaking before passing out. The victim is left with little or no memory of the incident, making a very poor witness in an investigation.
Though it is the most popular, Rohypnol is not the only drug rapists use to incapacitate their victims. Other drugs that can be used to achieve similar effects are gamma-hydroxybutrate (GHB) and Ketamine, or “Special K”
Since these drugs leave the user with almost no memory of what took place, it is difficult to tell if you have fallen victim of a “date-rape” drug. Some very clear signs that sexual activity has taken place are soreness around the genital areas and bruises around the thighs and wrist. Look for scratches and marks that would suggest a struggle. Used condoms near the bed or in trashcans are also dead giveaways. The most reliable source is probably gossiping with others about your behavior.
If you suspect that you have been raped using one of these drugs, go to a hospital immediately. This is the only way to tell for sure if a rape has taken place. To avoid falling victim to date rape, never accept open drinks from strangers at a party, and don’t take your eyes off of your drink when you get it. Never leave drinks unattended. Keep your eyes and ears open, pay attention to anyone talking about drugs such as Rohypnol.
If this doesn’t feel like enough protection, there is another option available. There is a simple, inexpensive test kit that has recently been approved for North America. It is actually a package of strips or coasters that change color when they come in contact with the date rape drug; much like litmus strips used in high school chemistry classes.
Remember that if you have had sex, but cannot remember doing it or offering consent, the law says you have been raped, even if a “date-rape” drug has not been used. Date rape is a topic that many people are not comfortable discussing. Though the world has changed in many ways, society still encourages men to be aggressive and competitive while teaching women to avoid confrontation. Never believe it’s okay for someone to demand sex if they buy you dinner, or gifts.
No means no, period. You can’t always stop someone from trying to rape you, but you can help stop yourself from becoming a victim. Trust you instincts, and if someone makes you nervous don’t worry about being rude, just leave. Don’t leave with someone you don’t know, and always carry money for a phone call or taxi just in case. There are bad people in this world, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them take advantage of you. Take a stand against date rape. If you don’t want to have sex with someone, say so and if they still try then fight them. Even if they overpower you, the signs of struggle will make your story more believable in court.
Rape is a serious issue, one that everybody should be aware of. It’s okay to go out and have a good time, and there is no reason you should be afraid of everyone you meet. Just be aware of what’s out there. Common sense and awareness are the best protection you can find.
Of these drugs, the most common is Rohypnol. It is prescribed as a sleeping pill used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Rohypnol is a sedative hypnotic with effects similar to that of Valium, only ten times more potent.
Rohypnol, also known as roofies, mind-erasers, or Mexican Valium, is illegal in the United States. The use of these drugs is a federal offense, punishable by up to twenty years in prison. Rohypnol is produced and sold legally in Europe and Latin America then smuggled in to the U.S., usually by mail or delivery services. Its use has been reported on every inhabited continent in the world.
In the past few years, use of this drug among teens has increased. Most teenagers use Rohypnol to increase the effects of alcohol or to immobilize a victim before a sexual assault. Many teens use this drug because of its low cost. One tablet will usually sell for fewer than five dollars.
All traces of the drug leave the body 72 hours after ingestion, making the drug very difficult to trace through urinary analysis drug testing. Authorities have to be specifically looking for traces of the drug to find them, and they have to look immediately. This is another reason the drug is so popular.
The combination of Rohypnol and alcohol is particularly dangerous because of the effects both substances have on memory and judgment. The effects usually begin within thirty minutes of ingestion and can last for over eight hours. The mixture of these two often causes the victim to black out for eight to twenty-four hours. This is the reason most rapists prefer slipping the drug into an alcoholic beverage.
Rohypnol has no taste or odor, so most of the time the victim has no clue what is going on. About ten minutes after the drug is taken, the user may feel dizzy and nauseated. The victim may feel too hot and too cold at once, and experience difficulty moving or speaking before passing out. The victim is left with little or no memory of the incident, making a very poor witness in an investigation.
Though it is the most popular, Rohypnol is not the only drug rapists use to incapacitate their victims. Other drugs that can be used to achieve similar effects are gamma-hydroxybutrate (GHB) and Ketamine, or “Special K”
Since these drugs leave the user with almost no memory of what took place, it is difficult to tell if you have fallen victim of a “date-rape” drug. Some very clear signs that sexual activity has taken place are soreness around the genital areas and bruises around the thighs and wrist. Look for scratches and marks that would suggest a struggle. Used condoms near the bed or in trashcans are also dead giveaways. The most reliable source is probably gossiping with others about your behavior.
If you suspect that you have been raped using one of these drugs, go to a hospital immediately. This is the only way to tell for sure if a rape has taken place. To avoid falling victim to date rape, never accept open drinks from strangers at a party, and don’t take your eyes off of your drink when you get it. Never leave drinks unattended. Keep your eyes and ears open, pay attention to anyone talking about drugs such as Rohypnol.
If this doesn’t feel like enough protection, there is another option available. There is a simple, inexpensive test kit that has recently been approved for North America. It is actually a package of strips or coasters that change color when they come in contact with the date rape drug; much like litmus strips used in high school chemistry classes.
Remember that if you have had sex, but cannot remember doing it or offering consent, the law says you have been raped, even if a “date-rape” drug has not been used. Date rape is a topic that many people are not comfortable discussing. Though the world has changed in many ways, society still encourages men to be aggressive and competitive while teaching women to avoid confrontation. Never believe it’s okay for someone to demand sex if they buy you dinner, or gifts.
No means no, period. You can’t always stop someone from trying to rape you, but you can help stop yourself from becoming a victim. Trust you instincts, and if someone makes you nervous don’t worry about being rude, just leave. Don’t leave with someone you don’t know, and always carry money for a phone call or taxi just in case. There are bad people in this world, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them take advantage of you. Take a stand against date rape. If you don’t want to have sex with someone, say so and if they still try then fight them. Even if they overpower you, the signs of struggle will make your story more believable in court.
Rape is a serious issue, one that everybody should be aware of. It’s okay to go out and have a good time, and there is no reason you should be afraid of everyone you meet. Just be aware of what’s out there. Common sense and awareness are the best protection you can find.