Dylan Stoll | Health Editor
Featured Image: A wide variety of drugs can be used in date raping. | Pixabay
Date rape. Even simply saying the words produces a gut-wrenching feeling in one’s stomach. If you are unfamiliar with this term, date rape is defined as “a rape committed by someone with whom the victim has gone on a date.” Date rape drugs, however, are any type of drug used to facilitate rape or sexual assault.
When one says a person has been “date raped,” it doesn’t necessarily mean one went on a date with that person. The unfortunate reality is that women (and men) can be easily targeted by just about anyone. Date raping often occurs through the “spiking” or contamination of, most commonly, the victim’s unattended drink with a particular drug, like Rohypnol (roofies).
Places such as night clubs, bars, or parties provide ample opportunities for predators to date rape an unsuspecting person as this individual is preoccupied with dancing, socializing, going to the bathroom, or even going out for a quick smoke. All it takes is one window of opportunity, a mere second, and suddenly, that margarita you ordered has become something you’ll really regret drinking, and not because of the hangover.
Often times, you won’t even order the drink: someone will offer it. In the case that you are ever offered a drink, make sure you see it being poured by the bartender; if you are at a party, look inside the cup first before the liquid is poured in, or get your own cup.
If you have been drinking and feel that you may have been drugged, it can be a bit more difficult to discern because many of the symptoms of date rape drugs are the same as intoxication by alcohol. If you feel that the effects of alcohol are more severe than they usually are, your drink may be spiked. Regardless, staying with a friend, removing one’s self from the situation, and calling 911 would be the best course of action.
Unfortunately, some of the drugs used to date rape are often used recreationally as well. Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a central nervous system depressant (otherwise known as G, Liquid Ecstacy, soap, or Georgia Home Boy) is taken purposely by club goers to enhance their experience. The same is done with Ketamine (Special K, K, Kit Kat), a tranquilizer, and Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), an anaesthetic. If you are ever offered these, know that they are commonly used as date rape drugs and be wary of the individual offering them to you.
Also, if you ever wake up with your clothes torn, missing, or in the wrong place and you can’t remember how it happened, or if your body feels sore, has strange bruises, cuts, or is bleeding, then you may have been drugged and raped; you should call 911 immediately. It is also important that you do not shower or clean yourself in any way. Do not eat, drink or brush your teeth, and do not urinate. This ensures that any evidence of sexual assault can be preserved and then gathered.
All of this may seem pretty frightening to somebody who just wants to go out and have a good time, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. If you want to feel more comfortable going out with your friends for drinks, fear not, for the future is here. There are many products available that will indicate whether or not your drink has been spiked. One such invention, produced by Drink Safe Technology, is the drug test coaster, which is available to purchase for under a dollar on their website drinksafe.com. All you have to do is place a few drops of your drink on the coaster and you’ll know if there is a GHB or ketamine contamination. Another invention, by Undercover Colors, is called the SipChip (available on their website undercovercolors.com). As the name suggests, this invention is a small chip that can be kept in a wallet, pocket, on a keychain, or even on the back of your phone. Like the coaster, all it requires is a few drops of your drink. A double line on the chip means you’re in the clear, and a single line means that the drink has been drugged.
So remember, you can still have a good time, but just be aware. Be aware of your environment, the people you choose to speak to, the drugs you are being offered, and most importantly, always be aware of your drink.
Are you or is someone you know a victim of sexual assault? Call the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre 24 hour crisis-line at 416-597-8808.
