Each month, more than ten women from diverse backgrounds contact our Adoption Center with a harrowing experience—they have been victims of a date rape drug and are now pregnant. Often, these women have no knowledge of the biological father. Rohypnol and GHB are increasingly becoming the drugs of choice for predators, who target unsuspecting victims by slipping these substances into drinks at social gatherings. These drugs can make one drink feel like six or more, leading to devastating consequences.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, drug-facilitated sexual assault is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America. A study by the National Institute of Justice found that one in four college women reported being the victim of rape or attempted rape, with 84% of their assailants being boyfriends or acquaintances. Shockingly, one in four college men admitted to using sexual aggression, and one in twelve admitted to committing some form of sexual assault (source).
Laura, a sophomore from Florida, is one such victim. She attended a private off-campus party and believes her beer was laced while she was dancing. After consuming just one drink, she felt sick and her memory became foggy.
"I started feeling drowsy, really dizzy, and confused about where I was. I went to the party alone, which was my first mistake," Laura recalls.
Laura has no memory of the next eight hours. She woke up half-naked in a back room of the club with bruises on her thighs. She suspected she had been sexually assaulted but couldn't remember any details. The incident left her hungover for days.
Laura tried to block the incident from her mind, but her grades fell, and she found herself distracted in class. Six weeks later, she discovered she was pregnant. Laura dropped out of college to have the baby and chose to have him adopted through our center.
"I needed to do something positive, and it wasn’t the child’s fault," Laura said.
Rohypnol, also known as "roofies," is not legal in the U.S. but is available by prescription in Europe and Latin America. It is often smuggled into the United States. When dissolved in a beverage, it is undetectable and can induce a blackout with memory loss lasting 8-24 hours. The drug takes effect in about ten minutes, causing dizziness, disorientation, and nausea (source).
GHB, another common date-rape drug, is sometimes added to punch or other open container drinks at social gatherings. It is often given to female partygoers to lower their inhibitions, facilitating potential sexual assault. GHB can cause unconsciousness, seizures, and even death (source).
To protect yourself and your friends, consider the following tips:
If you have been a victim of rape and think you may be pregnant, Lifetime can help. Call 1-800-923-6784. Additionally, drug testing coasters are available for about 50¢ each and can identify two of the most popular date-rape drugs. Look for them at 7-Elevens or visit Drink Safe Technologies.
Stay safe and vigilant. Share this information with your friends and remember that you are your own best protector. For more information on Rohypnol and GHB, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Copyright © 2005 Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this may be copied or sold without permission.