While the term date [space] rape was introduced in the 1980s to stamp out the misconception that strangers perpetrate most sexual assaults and rapes, the term drug-facilitated sexual assault has been coined recently. It describes circumstances where unsuspecting victims are given drugs with sedative effects that make them less able to protect themselves from predators.
Statistics show that nearly 11 million women in the U.S. alone have been raped or sexually assaulted under the influence of specifc drugs, while men make up 10% of college-aged victims. Other concerning data showcases that women aged 18-24 represent the most targeted demographic, and 80% of all rape cases are perpetrated by someone who is not a stranger. The Bureau of Justice Statistics stipulates that only 30.7% of all rapes in the United States are reported to the police, and up to 80% of sexual assaults happen while the victim is intoxicated. Sexual assault is perpetrated by complete strangers in only 13.8% of the cases – while over 86% of the time, it is perpetrated by a trusted individual.
In short, sexual assault is a societally heinous crime that affects more and more people. It doesn’t exclusively represent a threat at college campus parties, but also at bars, clubs, and even house parties held in the company of people you normally trust. While our society should do a better job abolishing “rape culture”, the horrendous reality is that every individual should watch their back and be on guard against predators. Information, in this case, is the best form of self-preservation.
Police in Kansas have recently warned the public about a slight upward trend in the use of drugs to commit sexual assault and have demonstrated the most common methods used by predators to slip drugs into potential victims’ drinks. “It takes a split second not to watch your drink or turn around and talk to somebody else or to not pay attention to what’s going on in your surroundings,” mentioned Stg. Brad Dumit, who works with KCPD’s vice squad.
The Most Common Drugs Used in Sexual Assault and Their Effects
Protecting yourself from drugs often used in sexual assaults begins with being aware of some facts about these narcotics. A predator can use various drugs to overpower a victim and cause incapacitation or memory loss. The most used drugs to commit sexual assault in America are the following:
- Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid – A depressant sometimes prescribed by doctors to treat narcolepsy. It has many nicknames, such as liquid X, liquid E, easy lay, G-riffic or Gib. It comes in liquid or powdered form, but neither has a smell or taste. In combination with alcohol, gamma-hydroxybutyric causes impaired concentration, sleepiness, and weakness. It may cause seizures, slow breathing, a slow heartbeat, and even a coma in extreme cases. The effect appears in 15-30 minutes after ingestion and lasts between 3 and 6 hours.
- Flunitrazepam – A strong benzodiazepine (a class of tranquilizers) that can’t be obtained legally in the United States. It is used as an anesthetic before surgery in some countries. Flunitrazepam is also known as roofies, la rocha, rope, forget-me pill, and Mexican Valium. It normally comes in the form of a light green tablet with a blue core that turns clear liquids blue. In small doses, it causes sedation, while in higher doses, it causes trouble controlling the muscles, amnesia, loss of consciousness, and lowered blood pressure. The effects appear within 30 minutes after ingestion and peak after 2 hours. Just 1 milligram can affect the victim for up to 12 hours.
- Ketamine – A dissociative drug that makes the victim lose contact with reality. It is usually used by doctors and veterinarians as an anesthetic. Ketamine’s nicknames include Cat Valium, Special K, and Vitamin K and comes in the form of a clear liquid or an off-white powder that has no taste or smell. The most common side effects include hallucination, high blood pressure, distorted sight, distorted hearing, immobility, amnesia, and unconsciousness. In more extreme situations, ketamine may cause a coma. It typically takes effect within 30 minutes and lasts an hour or two.
- Ecstasy (MDMA) – A drug less commonly used in sexual assault cases, but causes an increase in empathy, disinhibition, and sexual desire that may impact a person’s ability to give consent. Authorities sometimes find MDMA and other amphetamines in samples taken from sexual assault victims who do not remember taking the drug.
How to Protect Yourself From Drugs Used to Commit Sexual Assault
A precautious approach when it comes to parties may save you from becoming prey to sexual assault and trauma. Please take into consideration the following habits to stay safe:
- Pour your own drinks, avoid open containers like punch bowls, and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t entirely trust.
- Never leave your drink out of sight and carry it wherever you go.
- Don’t drink anything that has a strange, uncommon taste.
- Be mindful of the environment and avoid becoming intoxicated with alcohol.
- Stick with your close friends and people you trust. If you start feeling odd, request help immediately.
- Consider purchasing rape-detecting products like the SipChip.
- Look out for your friends and even strangers. If you see a person being carried unconsciously out of a bar by a suspicious individual, alert security and take action. You may save someone’s life.
If you are under any sort of suspicion that you’ve been drugged or assaulted, instantly call the authorities and trusted friends or family members. If you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of muscular control, blurred vision, or any unusual symptoms, trust your instincts and act on them instantly. After calling for help, try to keep the evidence to have it tested.
Drug Testing Methods After a Sexual Assault
At Test Smartly Labs, we provide three testing methods depending on the length of time since drug exposure:
- Urine Test: It can detect the presence of Ecstasy (MDMA), Flunitrazepam, Gamma-hydroxybutyric, and Ketamine within 24-48 hours after ingestion.
- Hair Follicle Test: It can detect the presence of Ecstasy (MDMA), Flunitrazepam, Gamma-hydroxybutyric, and Ketamine for up to 90 days.
- Blood Test: While invasive, a blood test is highly accurate and can detect the presence of Ecstasy (MDMA), Flunitrazepam, Gamma-hydroxybutyric, and Ketamine for up to 8 hours after ingestion.
Please keep in mind that regardless of how much alcohol you’ve ingested, unconsented sexual intercourse is never your fault, and you deserve justice. If you have any suspicion that you’ve been drugged or assaulted, instantly request help and have yourself tested to gather strong evidence that will stand up in court. Our team of experts at Test Smartly Labs is always at your disposal in Kansas City, discreetly and empathetically assisting you throughout the process. If you or someone you care about have been through a traumatic incident, you are not alone. Please reach out to a therapist to help you with the healing process.
Learn more about our comprehensive drug testing methods here. If you have any questions, please contact Test Smartly Labs anytime. Quick action is a key to finding out if foul play was the reason for your concern. We are always here to help.