by Keair Geliga

Created on: January 24, 2007   Last Updated: May 03, 2007

The term "date rape", is more commonly used us but the experts prefer the term "drug-facilitated sexual assault". This means that you when given drugs, which may impair your judgment and behavior.

The types of drugs that are used are:
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid),
Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), also known as Roofies.
Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride)

If these drugs are slipped in your drink in a social gathering, the effects of the drugs combined with the alcohol could be sleepiness, feeling out of control, memory problems, nausea, and unconsciousness (black out). In this state, you can be more open to inappropriate sexual activities. In addition, these drugs are used to help people commit other crimes such as robbery and physical assaults. These victims can be both male and female.

When you think of rape, you might think of a stranger that sexually attacks you, while walking alone at night. Nevertheless, people you know do most rapes.

Suggestions offered on womenshealth.gov to protect you from becoming victims are:
Not accepting drinks from others
Opening containers yourself
Keeping your drink with you at all times
Not drinking from open containers like punch bowls, because that may have drugs already in them
Not drinking anything that smells or tastes strange

The following information may be of help if you have been a victim of date rape or other related sex crimes:

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: (800) 656-HOPE www.rainn.org

New York Alliance Against Sexual Assault: 71-49 Loubet St. Queens, NY
(718) 263-2013 nycagainstrape.org

kidshealth.org

NYC Department of Mental Health and Hygiene: www.nyc.gov/doh

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