What is drug assisted Sexual Assault?
The most common drug implicated in rape is alcohol
There are an ever-growing number of drugs, which all have different legal status, and are often widely available, used by perpetrators to assist with their use of sexual violence; alcohol continues to be the most commonly used. The drugs used are generally 'hypnotics' which means they have an anaesthetising and muscle relaxant effect.
The use of alcohol or other drugs to assist or facilitate sexual violence is always the choice of the perpetrator.
Some useful information:
- The drugs used are tasteless and odourless, although one (Rohypnol) has a blue dye added to it, this blue dye does not show up for almost 20 minutes.
- Just because your drink is non-alcoholic does not mean it cannot be spiked.
If you think that your drink may have been spiked:
- If you feel odd, nauseous, or very drunk after only a couple of drinks, and you know that is not normal for you, there is a chance that your drink has been spiked. If so, go immediately to a place of safety.
- Some people have described a sensation of suddenly feeling as if they have the flu'
- Tell more than one person, as you may not know who spiked your drink, it could be someone you think you can trust.
- If you are with a stranger go to the landlord or manager and tell them.
- Under no circumstances let a stranger offer to help you or take you anywhere - they may be the person who has spiked your drink.
If you think you've been drugged and raped:
- Some drugs can take away your memory. If you wake up in a strange place or even in your own bed, even though you didn't have that much to drink, there may be a possibility that you may have been drugged and raped.
- You may not necessarily have any outward physical signs on your body as the drug (including alcohol) will have made physical violence unnecessary.
- In many cases, the traces of the drug in the body disappear before the memory of the event comes back. Evidence in Britain seems to point to that fact that forensic traces of these rape drugs can only be picked up within 48 hours.
- Because of the short time span available for forensic evidence, if you want to report the rape, you have to do this soon.
- If you go to the Gardai or to a Hospital, you need to ask that they take a urine and blood sample to show the presence of any of the drugs used in drug rape (there are about 6 or 7 different ones).
For further information on reporting to the Gardai and medical attention please click here » - If you choose not to report to the Garda, visit your doctor or a clinic to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy and to have any physical injuries treated.
- Memories may come back, for example in the form of flashbacks or nightmares, weeks, months, or years later.
- Consider having a friend accompany you or contact The Centre for support.
- Ensure to have any injuries photographed by investigating gardai as soon as possible before the extent of the injuries fade away.
The Centre is aware of the existence of drug rape and
we will believe you