Drug Rape

Anisa* went for a birthday party of one of her colleagues. They decided to have it in a quiet restaurant and make it a private gathering between the different departments in their office without any outside guests. She sat with a group of good friends, and because she was not feeling very well, she decided not to drink anything alcoholic that night. Towards the end of the evening, she began to feel dizzy and disconcerted. Worried about her condition, she decided to ask a lift from one of her female colleagues to return home. As they were walking to the car, Anisa lost consciousness. When she woke up, she had no recollection of what happened to her after the gathering. Thankfully, her colleague sent her home safely and stayed the night to make sure she was fine. She remembered reading an article about drugs that were used to facilitate rape, and was not sure if that was what happened to her. What is drug-rape?

Drug-rape is usually committed by the rapist putting a tablet or pill into the survivor's drink without her knowledge. There are various types of drugs used for this - currently the most common one being Rohypnol (also known as "roofies") - and works by sedating the victim. Rohypnol is a very potent tranquilizer similar in nature to Valium, but many times stronger. The drug produces a sedative effect, amnesia, muscle relaxation, and a slowing of psychomotor responses; making the survivor dizzy, unusually drowsy, have problems with coordination and appear drunk. This occurs about 20-30 minutes after administration and lasts for several hours.
The effects of the drug only stays in the body system for a short period of time, so if you suspect that you have been a victim to drug-rape, go to the hospital or police station as soon as possible and ask to be tested.

Drug-rape drugs can be colourless, tasteless and odourless, but here are some practical ways you can reduce the risk of drug-rape and protect yourself:

• Never ever leave your drink unattended. If you have to go to the toilet, either finish your drink first or take it with you. If for whatever reason you have left it unattended, do not drink it. Order a different drink.
• If a stranger offers you a drink, do not accept it. Even if colleagues or acquaintances offer you a drink, make sure that you see it poured into the glass or opened to make sure that no one has touched the drink before that.
• If you are drinking, be aware of your tolerance to alcohol. If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or completely drunk only after a small amount of alcohol relative to your tolerance, go to a safe place immediately.
• If you are with someone that you implicitly trust, inform him/her about your worries. You can also inform the management about your worries. Then get the person to send you home. Ask them to stay with you until the drug has worn off.
• If you are going out in a group, nominate someone who will not be drinking to keep an eye on the drinks.
• Plan your journey to and from home if you are going on a night out.
• Be aware of your surroundings, and stay away from a situation that you are uncomfortable with.
• Whenever possible, drink from a bottle or can. It is more difficult to drop a pill through the mouth of a bottle or a can than a glass. You can also put a thumb over the top of your bottle or can. Again do not leave your drink unattended.
• Drinking non-alcoholic drinks does not mean you will be safe. Drinks such as water, cola, tea, coffee, milkshakes and milk have been known to be spiked.
• Do not share or exchange drinks.
• Consider very carefully before you leave a place with someone that you have just met.

Because drugs such as Rohypnol affects memory, sometimes survivors have difficulty in recollecting what has happened or who the perpetrator(s) were. If you wake up in a strange place or even if you wake up in your own room with your clothes scattered about, or if you see any form of physical evidence such as bruises or sore genital areas, you may have been raped. The drug leaves the body system very fast. If you have suspicions, make a police report, go to the hospital or call a women's helpline.

For information, advice, safe and confidential counselling on sexual assault, you can call the Women's Aid Organisation Sexual Assault Helpline at 03-7960 3030 (Saturdays, Mondays and Tuesdays 9.00am - 6.00pm; Wednesdays to Fridays, 9.00am - 10.00pm).

*Name and particulars changed to protect WAO's client's confidentiality.

Prepared by Jaclyn Kee
Women's Aid Organisation - 20 Years of Service to Women and Children

Fortnightly Column by WAO on Sunday Mail (Reprinted with permission from Sunday Mail)