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What Should I Do if I am Sexually Assaulted?
Collage by Keith Watkins
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The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network offers the following guidelines at www.rainn.org.
- Find a safe environment - anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you for moral support.
- Preserve evidence of the attack - don't bathe or brush your teeth. Write down all the details you can recall about the attack and the attacker.
- Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, for free, confidential counseling, 24 hours a day: 1-800-656-HOPE.
- Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy.
- To preserve forensic evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam.
- If you suspect you may have been drugged, ask that a urine sample be collected. The sample will need to be analyzed later on by a forensic lab.
- Report the rape to law enforcement authorities. A counselor can provide the information you'll need to understand the process.
- Remember it wasn't your fault.
- Recognize that healing from rape takes time. Give yourself the time you need.
- Know that it's never too late to call. Even if the attack happened years ago, the National Sexual Assault Hotline can still help. Many victims do not realize they need help until months or years later.
What are Date Rape Drugs?
Collage by Keith Watkins
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Because of the effects of these drugs, victims may be physically helpless, unable to refuse sex, and unable to remember what happened. The drugs often have no color, smell, or taste and are easily added to flavored drinks without the victim's knowledge. There are at least three date rape drugs:
- GHB has a few forms: a liquid with no odor or color, white powder, and pill.
- Rohypnol is a pill and dissolves in liquids. New pills turn blue when added to liquids. However, the old pills, with no color, are still available.
- Ketamine is a white powder.
The drugs can affect you quickly. The length of time that the effects last varies. It depends on how much of the drug is taken and if the drug is mixed with other substances, like alcohol. Alcohol can worsen the drug's effects, which may include drowsiness, unconsciousness, dizziness, memory loss, dream-like or drunken feeling, problems seeing or talking, confusion, loss of muscle control, feeling out of control, and even death. For more information on date rape drugs, visit the following website. http://www.4woman.gov/faq/rohypnol.htm
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