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Drug-facilitated sexual assault is demeaning action that is enabled by the use of date rape drugs. Date rape drugs have amnesiac and tranquillising effects on the human brain. When they are used they are often placed into a victim’s drink or food at parties or raves without the victim’s knowledge. The most common date rape drugs are Rohypnol, Ketamine and Gamma Hydroxybutyric Aci or GHB.
Rohypnol often comes in a small pill form. Ketamine is often a white powder form and GHB is an odourless and colourless liquid.
What are the effects of date rape drugs?
Rohypnol can make someone disoriented, drowsy, and confused. It can also make someone hallucinate. The effects of Rohypnol which is also known are intensified when it is mixed with alcohol. GHB can make someone nauseous, dizzy, and delusional have a seizure and it can lead to a coma. Ketamine can make someone light headed, numb and moody. It can also cause someone to have blurred vision and it can make someone feel as if they are disconnected from their body. All of these three drugs are deadly and they can lead to death when overdosed.
Ways to protect yourself and your friends from date drugs
Do not accept any drinks which are open
Keep an eye on your drink
Do not ask anyone to hold your drink
Go to parties with a group of friends and leave as a group
Make sure that your friends are safe
Do not consume any liquid from punch bowls
Girl’s Night Out: A Survivor’s story
The following is a short story about a teenager who almost got sexually assaulted after she had gone with her friends. Names have been changed to protect identities.
“I went to a local teen club to celebrate my friend’s birthday. I was so excited since this was my first time partying. Everyone looked like they were having a great time. I kept on jumping up and down. I was truly having the time of my life!
“After a while I gave my friend Tavonga my drink so that I could go to the rest room.
“When I went back to the dance floor I took my juice from Tavonga. When I drank my drink the juice it tasted salty and smelt funny. At that time I didn’t really suspect anything since my friend had kept it for me. As the night progressed I started feeling really dizzy. I couldn’t stand without support. Tavonga led me outside so that I could get some fresh air.
“He took me to a nearby dark corner and tried to kiss me but I refused. He then started attacking me, pulling and tugging at my clothes and fondling me. I couldn’t really do anything to stop him because I felt drained.
“I started screaming; luckily a girl who was just coming out of the club heard me and ran towards us. She pushed him away and left. Up to this day I am grateful that I wasn’t raped.”
What to do if you are drugged and sexually assaulted
Both boys and girls can be victims of sexual assault. If this happens to you ask your parents or anyone else who is available to take you to the hospital so that you can get full medical attention immediately. Do not urinate, bath, change your clothes or brush your teeth until medical and forensic evidence is collected at the hospital. The incident might be traumatizing so it’s advisable to go for counselling. The hospital can do arrange counselling and follow-up for you.
Apart from examination you will also be given medication to prevent infections including HIV/AIDS.
Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy will also be offered.
The police might also ask you a couple of questions so that they can arrest the suspect.
Below is a list of useful emergency number: Econet subscribers toll free number: 113
Netone subscribers toll free number : 114
Toll free landline: 080032222911
Childline : 116
Online Reporter