How You May FeelSurvivor Kit > Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault is an increasing concern in San Francisco. In most cases, perpetrators use “date rape” drugs to subdue their victims prior to the assault. These drugs are appearing at parties, clubs, bars, and college campuses across the country. The drugs are easily slipped into drinks and consumed by unsuspecting victims. While there is no foolproof way to protect yourself from being a victim of a drug facilitated sexual assault, there are precautions you can take.
What is a Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault?
Drug Facilitated Sexual Assaults occur when a chemical agent is used to assist or procure sexual contact, rendering the victim “physically helpless”, thus unable to give consent.
What is the most common drug used in sexual assaults?
Alcohol is by far the most commonly used drug in sexual assaults. This may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. In one study of college students, 75% of males and 55% of females involved in date rape had been drinking or using drugs prior to the assault. There are as many as 20 different types of drugs that can be used in a “date-rape” situation, three of them are listed below. It is important to recognize that any drug can be used in a sexual assault, even if you take it voluntarily.
How can I tell if my drink has been spiked with a “date rape” drug?
There is no absolute way you can tell by sight or taste that your drink has been spiked. Trust your instincts. If you suspect that it has been drugged, pour it out.
GHB:(also known as Liquid Ecstasy, Georgia Home By, Somotax). GHB is a homemade central nervous system depressant that usually comes in a liquid form that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It may have a salty or soapy taste if dropped in a drink. GHP is readily absorbed and reaches the brain quickly. It takes effect within 15-20 minutes and can remain in your system from 4-12 hours.
Rohypnol: (also known as Roofies, R2, Roche). This is a tranquilizer that is 10 times more potent than valium. It is legal in 64 other countries as a sleeping aid. It is generally found in the form of a white, green, or blue tablet that is usually scored down the middle. Recently manufacturers have added a dye that discolors drinks, leaving a film on the surface however copycat drugs are available which do not have these characteristics. It produces a profound, prolonged feeling of well-being and short-term memory loss. It takes effect within 15-20 minutes and can last up to 24 hours.
Ketamine: (also known as Special K, Vitamin K, Kit Kat). Legally used as a veterinary anesthetic, this drug is produced in liquid form or a white powder that comes in a clear, red, or black and yellow capsule. Effect begins within 15 minutes and can last up to 24 hours. Drug effects are similar to PCP, which include distorted sense of balance, time judgment and ability to communicate, blurred vision, disorientation, trembling and loss of consciousness for up to18-24 hours.
GO TO "resources page" for web links to other resources and information.
This information was adapted from the Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault website of the Virginia Tech Women’s Resources Center and from the UC Berkeley Health Services website.
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What is a Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault?
Drug Facilitated Sexual Assaults occur when a chemical agent is used to assist or procure sexual contact, rendering the victim “physically helpless”, thus unable to give consent.
What is the most common drug used in sexual assaults?
Alcohol is by far the most commonly used drug in sexual assaults. This may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. In one study of college students, 75% of males and 55% of females involved in date rape had been drinking or using drugs prior to the assault. There are as many as 20 different types of drugs that can be used in a “date-rape” situation, three of them are listed below. It is important to recognize that any drug can be used in a sexual assault, even if you take it voluntarily.
How can I tell if my drink has been spiked with a “date rape” drug?
There is no absolute way you can tell by sight or taste that your drink has been spiked. Trust your instincts. If you suspect that it has been drugged, pour it out.
GHB:(also known as Liquid Ecstasy, Georgia Home By, Somotax). GHB is a homemade central nervous system depressant that usually comes in a liquid form that is colorless, odorless and tasteless. It may have a salty or soapy taste if dropped in a drink. GHP is readily absorbed and reaches the brain quickly. It takes effect within 15-20 minutes and can remain in your system from 4-12 hours.
Rohypnol: (also known as Roofies, R2, Roche). This is a tranquilizer that is 10 times more potent than valium. It is legal in 64 other countries as a sleeping aid. It is generally found in the form of a white, green, or blue tablet that is usually scored down the middle. Recently manufacturers have added a dye that discolors drinks, leaving a film on the surface however copycat drugs are available which do not have these characteristics. It produces a profound, prolonged feeling of well-being and short-term memory loss. It takes effect within 15-20 minutes and can last up to 24 hours.
Ketamine: (also known as Special K, Vitamin K, Kit Kat). Legally used as a veterinary anesthetic, this drug is produced in liquid form or a white powder that comes in a clear, red, or black and yellow capsule. Effect begins within 15 minutes and can last up to 24 hours. Drug effects are similar to PCP, which include distorted sense of balance, time judgment and ability to communicate, blurred vision, disorientation, trembling and loss of consciousness for up to18-24 hours.
- Memory Loss – This occurs when you recall drinking, but cannot recall what happened for a period of time after that drink.
- You may wake up feeling hung over.
- Dizziness, Nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate, lack of motor coordination are all possible effects.
- Intense Intoxication – The effects you are experiencing are not representative of the amount of alcohol you have consumed.
- An unexplained euphoric state may also be an effect of these drugs.
- Get your own drink. Never accept drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from someone you do not know.
- Do not drink from a punch bowl or open container of any kind.
- Always keep an eye on your drink. Don’t put the drink down and leave it, even to go to the bathroom or to greet a friend on the other side of the room. If you are at a crowded bar you can even ask for a lid for your drink.
- Pay attention to the taste and color of your drink. If it tastes salty, becomes flat, or appears discolored, throw it out, as these can be signs of GHB or Rohypnol.
- Be suspicious of eyedroppers, mouthwash bottles, and bubble solutions as they are often used to transport GHB.
- Look out for your friends. If your friend appears disproportionately drunk for the amount of alcohol consumed, pay special attention to her or his behavior and do let she or he wander off. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention!
- If you leave a party without your friends, tell them where you are going and with whom.
- Carry cab money.
- In a bar only accept drinks from the bartender or wait staff.
What to do if you suspect you have been a victim of a Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
- Seek medical help immediately. Call 911.
- Describe any and all symptoms fully to a medical provider.
- Tell the medical provider that you may have been drugged. It is imperative that you be tested as soon as possible for the drug’s presence in your body, as most of these substances can only be detected for a short period of time after ingestion.
- Try no to urinate prior to providing urine samples, as trace amounts of these drugs may remain in your system from up to 96 hours.
- If possible, find the cups or glasses from which you drank and submit them to the police.
GO TO "resources page" for web links to other resources and information.
This information was adapted from the Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault website of the Virginia Tech Women’s Resources Center and from the UC Berkeley Health Services website.
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