Sexual Violence: Date Rape Drugs
Another important aspect of sexual violence is the use of date rape drugs. You’ve probably heard of them but you might not know much about them. One of the most popular is Rohypnol and it has several street names, including roofies, roche, rib, ruffies, R-2, and rope.
The term “Rohypnol” is a brand name for a drug known as flunitrazepam. Flunitrazepam is a tranquilizer that has can begin to significantly impact on the body a mere 20 minutes after ingestion. Its effects include sedation, muscle relaxation and loss of muscle control, amnesia, and diminished mental abilities.
We mentioned earlier that it is estimated that only one in ten counts of sexual violence is even reported. Part of the reason for this startling statistic is because victims who have been drugged with medications such as Rohypnol have no idea exactly what happened. They don’t know their drinks were laced; they have no recollection of how they got home; and they certainly don’t know what sexual acts – if any – they have participated in. They’re helpless.
Rohypnol isn’t the only date rape drug circulating college campuses, clubs, and bars today. GHB, or gamma hydroxybutyric acid, is also known as gamma 10, bedtime scoop, great hormones, liquid E, salt water, vita-G, somatomaax, grevious bodily harm, and G (amongst many other names). Ketamine, another popular drug, may be referred to as the black hole, cat valium, K, kit kat, psychedelic heroin, special K, or super acid. Take note of the way each of these drugs looks:
- Rohypnol usually comes in pill form. You’ll either see small, white, round pills or small, oval, green-gray pills. If someone puts one of the green-gray pills into a drink it will either turn bright blue (if a clear drink) or cloudy (if a dark colored drink).
- GHB can come in a liquid, powder, or pill form. GHB usually gives drinks a salty taste but if you usually drink sweet, fruity drinks you may never notice the change.
- Ketamine is usually found in powder or liquid form.
Even ecstasy and alcohol can be considered date rape drugs as inappropriate use may put you at risk for sexual assault. It is important, however, to note that the willing consumption of alcohol (or even drugs) does not mean you are “asking” for someone to assault or rape you. The fact that you partook does not make you at fault.
