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Safety

What is rape and date rape?

Rape is sex you don’t agree to, including forcing a body part or object into your vagina, rectum (bottom), or mouth. Date rape is when you are raped by someone you know. Both are crimes. Rape is not about sex – it is an act of power by the rapist and it is always wrong.

Date rape drugs, which often have no smell or taste, can be given to you without you knowing at parties or in a club – especially where alcohol is served. Alcohol can make you less aware of danger and make you less able to think clearly and resist sexual assault. If you are given date rape drugs, you may not be able to say "no" to unwanted sex and you may not be able to clearly remember what happened.

Remember: even if you were drinking, it is NOT your fault.

What should I know about date rape drugs? top

Date rape drugs are most commonly used to sexually assault a person. The drugs often have no color, smell, or taste and are easily added to drinks without the victim’s knowledge. These drugs usually cause a person to become helpless – they can hardly move and are not able to protect themselves from being hurt. People who have been given date rape drugs say they felt paralyzed or couldn’t see well, and had black-outs, problems talking, confusion, and dizziness. Date rape drugs can even cause death.

It’s hard to know whether a party, club, or concert you plan to go to will be dangerous. Drugs may not be at every party you go to, but you should still have a plan for keeping yourself and your friends safe no matter what.

• Say "NO" to alcohol. Have water or soda instead.
• Open your own drinks.
• Don’t let other people hand you drinks.
• Keep your drink with you at all times, even when you go to the bathroom.
• Don’t share drinks.
• Don’t drink from punch bowls or other large, common, open containers. They may already have drugs in them.
• Don’t drink anything that tastes, looks, or smells strange. Sometimes, GHB tastes salty.
• Always go to a party, club, or concert with someone you trust, such as a friend or an older brother or sister.

For more information about drugs, check out these organizations and web sites:

1. girlshealth.gov: Drugs and Alcohol -- Straight Talk
2. Get It Straight: The facts about drugs, DEA, DOJ
3. NIDA For Teens
4. Sara’s Quest, NIDA, NIH, HHS
5. ClubDrugs.org NIDA, NIH, HHS
6. Partnership for a Drug Free America
7. Drugstory.org

I think I was raped. What should I do? top

• Don’t blame yourself. The rape was not your fault.
• Get help right away. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE ( 1-800-656-4673) for help or go to the police or local hospital. You may want to take a friend or family member along for support.
• If possible, don’t urinate before getting help. Your urine can help show signs of the rape.
• Don’t douche, bathe, or change clothes before getting help. Doing these things can remove possible evidence of the rape, such as semen (fluid from a man) or hair belonging to the person who assaulted you.
• Get medical care right away. Tell the doctor or nurse if you think you were drugged. He or she will give you a urine test right away because date rape drugs leave your body quickly. You will also get a medical exam to make sure you don’t have other injuries. The doctor or nurse will test you for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS, and offer you emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy. If the doctor or nurse does not mention testing for STDs or emergency contraception, ask for them.
• The counselor will help you figure out how to tell your parents/guardians. They may be angry or upset, but only because they care about you and don't want you to get hurt. Getting help and dealing with your emotions is the first step in healing.

How can you deal with the stress of a disaster, assault, or other traumatic event?

Who can I call for help? top

There are free hotlines that you can call 24 hours a day to get help if you have been sexually assaulted or if you need advice on how to leave an unhealthy relationship.

• National Sexual Assault Hotline:
  1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline:
  1-800-799-SAFE ( 1-800-799-7233) or
  1-800-787-3224 (TDD)
• Girls and Boys Town National Hotline:
  1-800-448-3000 or 1-800-448-1833 (TDD)

You can also find local resources, including women's shelters or other services through your religious center, school, or doctor's office.

Try these quizzes: Test your relationship What does it take to stay safe in a relationship?

 

= This article, publication, web site, or organization is from the U.S. government.

Content last updated June 23, 2008

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