Information on Date Rape Drugs

Date Rape Drugs

A major reality in sex crimes against women is the use of what is called “date rape drug”. These drugs are used to sedate & sometimes totally knock out the victim, so that the aggressor can violate her.

Rohypnol:

Rohypnol is a strong sedative, which is similar to the drug Valium, but is ten times stronger. The pill is similar in shape, size & color to an aspirin. Rohypnol is a small white tablet that is single or cross scored on the one side & has the word ‘roche’ on the other side. It also has a circled numeral 1 or 2 on it. Drugs street names change all the time, but it is often known as rookies, rophies, roche, rope, r2 & trip & fall.

Rohypnol dissolves easily is juice, coffee, carbonated & alcohol beverages. It is colorless, odorless & tasteless when dissolved in any liquid.

The effects of this drug are enhanced when mixed with alcohol causing sedation, loss of inhibitions, relaxation, black outs & amnesia. It can also cause respiratory problems, depression, coma & even death.

The drug takes effect after about 20 or 30 minutes & effects may last as long as 8-12 hours.

Signs & symptoms of use;

Rohypnol can cause quick intoxication, bloodshot eyes, drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation, impaired judgment, memory loss, hot & cold flashes, nausea & difficulty speaking & moving.
If it happens to you

• Tell someone you trust.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
• Try to collect a urine sample in a clean container during the first 24 hours after the assault.
• Do not destroy any of the evidence by showering or washing.
• Report the incidence to the police, your local rape crisis centre or the hospital emergency department.
• Talk to a councilor for support. Your emotional & physical health is important.
• Believe in yourself. No one invites causes or deserves to be sexually assaulted. What happens to you is a crime & you are not to blame.

Don’t be a victim

• Do not accept open drinks at parties, especially from strangers. This also includes any soft drink or juice. If you are drinking from a bottle or a can, be sure to open it yourself.
• Never leave your drink unattended. If you ask someone to watch it, make sure it is someone you can trust.
• Never go out to a bar, party or social event by yourself.
• Go with a friend.
• Don’t drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance
• Never mix drugs & alcohol.

GHB;

This is a powerful synthetic drug that acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. It is a newer drug to the streets, GHB is an illegal manufactured drug, so it is very dangerous, seeing that “kitchen chemists” make it & there is no quality control like with a FDA approved drug. Its effects can be felt within 15 minutes after ingestion. It is used in the same manner as Rohypnol.

GHB is usually found in a liquid form that is colorless & odorless. Sometimes there is a salty aftertaste, depending on how it was produced. Since the actual amount of GHB is unknown, the risk of toxic effect is great.

Signs & symptoms

• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• unconsciousness
• memory loss
• difficulty breathing
• seizures
• coma

Street names for this drug are, G, grievous bodily harm, gook, easy lay, vita-g, g juice.

Ecstasy

What is ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a synthetic amphetamine type (speed like) mind-altering drug that can cause you to hallucinate. It has been known to cause death especially when mixed with speed by drug dealers, often without the user knowing. Ecstasy does not come in capsules. It comes in the form of a pill & is sometimes yellow or pink in colour.

Signs & symptoms

• anxiety
• blurred vision
• confusion
• chills or sweating
• heart rate that is very fast & an increase in blood pressure
• rapid eye movements
• tremors
• inability to sleep

Avoid this & all drugs!

The Basics of Self Defense

The following are important points for surviving on the streets today. These apply to men, women and children of all ages. Most are common sense, others are not as obvious.

1. When in trouble, never yell HELP! Instead yell FIRE!!!! Sadly in our day and age, nobody wants to get involved. If you yell help, chances are no one will come. If you yell FIRE, you will get a response. Curiosity makes people want to go and see a FIRE.

2. Walk with your head up! Look at what is around you. Look at people without ‘staring’ at them. Take in information about the people and things in your surroundings (escape routs, other people etc.) When you look down at the ground, you look like a VICTIM. The kind a true PREDATOR wants.

3. Try not to go out alone, especially at night. There is safety in numbers.

4. Don’t always go to the same places at the same times. Variety is the spice of life, and the basis of safety. Don’t show the world a pattern to make you predictable. (Break and Enters happen this way most often).

5. Stay in well-lit areas, avoiding alleys, hallways and dark corridors.

6. If walking down the sidewalk of a street, don’t walk close to the buildings. Stay far enough out that you can see someone peaking around a corner!

7. Always plan ahead. Know your route before you go out.

8. When walking to your car have your keys in your hands, ready to open the door and get in. Walk to the car in such a way as to see what is around it, or underneath it.

9. Once in the car DO NOT linger. Start the car and drive away. Take notice of other people and cars in your area. Is someone following you? Also LOCK YOUR DOORS. Do this immediately upon entering your car.

10. If you are being followed don’t go home. Head for a police station or some public places were you would be safe till proper action can be taken.

11. If you arrive at home and feel that someone has been or is in your house or apartment, do not enter. Call the police at once. Better to be safe than sorry. You don’t want to surprise an intruder.

12. At an ATM be very cautious. Try to use one that is indoors, preferably well-lit and high traffic like a grocery store. Whether using a high traffic ATM or one alone on the street in a quiet area, always scan the area before getting out of your car for shady looking individuals, hanging around. If one or more is present, move on!