Drug Facilitated Rape

Three of the most commonly discussed date rape drugs are Rohypnol (flunitrazepam),  GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), and Ketamine (ketamine hydrochloride).   Rohypnol, nicknamed roofies, roaches, or “the forget pill”, is a powerful benzodiazepine drug 10 to 20 times stronger than Valium.  Manufactured by Hoffman-LaRoche Company, a Swiss-based pharmaceutical producer and distributor, Rohypnol is widely used in Europe and Central and South America as a treatment for severe sleep disorders.  Rohypnol cannot be legally distributed or possessed in the United States;  however, illegal trafficking in Rohypnol tablets occurs nationwide.  GHB (also known by street names such as Liquid E, Liquid Ecstasy, Ever Clear, Scoop, Cherry Meth, Georgia Homeboy, Gamma 10, and Grievous Bodily Harm) can be produced in the form of a white powder, but it is more commonly encountered as an odorless, clear liquid.  It is particularly dangerous because it is often given to victims in random, unmeasured doses (quickly squeezed into an unattended drink, for example).   Ketamine, a veterinary tranquilizer and controlled substance, is another increasingly common date rape drug.  When ingested by humans it is extremely dangerous/potentially lethal, and can result in hallucinations, paranoia, sensory distortions, and paralysis.  Street names for ketamine include Special K, Vitamin K, Kit Kat, Ket, Cat Valium, and Blind Squid. 

What is the #1 date rape drug?
Across America, alcohol is by far the most common date rape drug.  Although most of us are aware of dramatic media reports concerning GHB, Rohypnol, and other drugs, many people fail to realize that they are perhaps hundreds of times more likely to be victimized when under the influence of alcohol.  Why?  Because alcohol is readily available, and because it decreases your ability to think clearly, make good judgments, and protect yourself. 

How can I tell if I may have been drugged? 
Mixed with soft drinks, alcohol, or other beverages, a 2 mg tablet of Rohypnol or small amount of liquid or powder GHB can begin to affect the user within 15 minutes to one hour.   Common effects of date rape drugs include:

When administered in combination with alcohol, narcotics, or other central nervous system depressants, date rape drugs such as Rohypnol and GHB can cause seizures, cardiac and respiratory arrest, coma, or death. 

In social situations, you should be concerned if you begin to feel confused, ill, or extremely intoxicated.  Realize that a rapist who relies upon these drugs may offer to help when you begin to feel ill.  Instead of leaving with a potential assailant, call 911 or ask a bartender or hotel clerk to call for emergency medical assistance.  If you suspect that you or a friend may have been drugged, please realize how dangerous these drugs are and seek help immediately.

Can I prove that I was drugged?   What are the penalties for using date rape drugs?

Although date rape drugs may make a rape victim unable to remember the assault, a wide variety of evidence is available which can lead to arrest and conviction.  If possible, victims should not change their clothing, eat, drink, bathe, or use the restroom until they have been examined in a hospital emergency department.   Many date rape drugs are only detectable in the body for a few hours; for this reason, it is absolutely vital that you go to the emergency department of your local hospital ASAP if you think you or a friend may have been drugged.  If possible, you should keep a sample of the beverage or the cup it was served in for analysis.  A medical examination and consultation with law enforcement will help you to understand the legal options available in your unique situation.

Bottom line: it is against the law to have sexual intercourse with a person who has been drugged or is heavily intoxicated.  Sexual assailants who possess, manufacture, or use date rape drugs to subdue their victims risk adding up to 20 years to their prison sentences.  Possession of Rohypnol with no proven intent to use it in the commission of a violent crime carries a sentence of up to three years in prison.   Remember:  if you want to press charges against an assailant, you must report the crime to law enforcement officials in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.

How can I reduce the risk of drug-facilitated rape?

·       Never leave your beverage unattended.  If you need to leave your drink for any reason (getting up to dance, use the restroom, etc.), plan to finish it first or order a fresh drink when you return.

·        At a bar or club, accept drinks only from the bartender, waiter, or waitress.

·        At parties, do not accept open container drinks from anyone.

·        Do not take any beverage, including soft drinks or alcohol, from someone you do not know well and trust.  Don’t be too quick to trust casual acquaintances.  A friendly appearance can be deceiving; in fact, it may be a tool used by criminals to gain your trust.   Remember, at least 80% of all rapes are committed by acquaintances.

·        Use the buddy system and be alert to the behavior of your friends.  Anyone who appears to be seriously intoxicated may be in danger.  Realize that rape is a crime of opportunity in which the assailant is looking for a vulnerable victim (one who is drugged, drunk, separated from friends, overly trusting, etc.).  Do not allow anyone to take a person who appears to be intoxicated to an isolated area.  If you believe that a friend may have been drugged, get medical attention immediately by going directly to the hospital, or by calling 911.  Don't allow embarrassment (or concerns about underage drinking) to keep you from seeking help.  And if possible, preserve the glass that your friend drank from-- it may be important evidence of a crime.