How to recognize drug-facilitated sexual assaults

All too often, we hear or read about someone who was sexually assaulted after having used alcohol or drugs. A fraternity party at University of Southern California last year is but one of many instances when a young person’s drink had been laced with drugs without their knowledge — and then the perpetrator raped them.

Drugs and alcohol are involved in more than 75 percent of all rapes, and most sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone the victim knows, making it easier to purposefully induce a victim to become incapacitated. Often, the assaults occur in seemingly comfortable and non-threatening situations, like in a restaurant or at a party, most often at a private home.

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in drug-facilitated sexual assaults. But prescription drugs like sleep aids, anxiety medication, muscle relaxers and tranquilizers are also used. Sometimes street or “club” drugs are combined with alcohol. These drugs have little taste, smell or color, and are very fast acting. Here are a few common ones to watch out for:

Rohypnol (“roofies,” “roach”);GHB (“G,” “liquid G,” “easy lay”)MDMA (“ecstasy,” “X,” “Molly,” “Adam E,” “essence”)Ketamine (“special K,” “vitamin K,” “KitKat”)These alcohol-club drug cocktails usually do not “knock out” victims or put them to sleep. They immobilize the victim, greatly diminishing their ability to protect themselves or leave, and they impair their victim’s memories. To bystanders, the victim may appear uninhibited — a willing participant or even the sexual aggressor.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, maintains a website (RAINN.org) providing information on drug-facilitated sexual assault: What it is, how it happens, how to know if you’ve been drugged and how to preserve evidence. According to RAINN, such a sexual assault typically begins when the perpetrator coerces someone to go beyond their comfort zone with drugs or alcohol. Then, they refuse to help their target when that person is having a bad experience due to the alcohol or drugs. And, finally, the perpetrator initiates unwanted sexual contact with their victim who is less resistant because of intoxication — all a calculated part of the perpetrator’s actions.

Most critically, all anti-sexual violence advocates emphasize that a drug-facilitated sexual assault is not the victim’s fault. Just because someone chose to consume alcohol or drugs does not mean they choose to be sexually assaulted.

Federal and state laws specifically prohibit drug-induced rape. If possible, it’s important to take steps to preserve evidence for a possible investigation. Many of these drugs leave the body quickly, within 12-72 hours. If you or someone you know suspects having been drugged, get help immediately from someone trusted, get somewhere safe, and call 911 or one of these hotlines: CAV’s 24-hour helpline 575-758-9888, or RAINN’s 24-hour nationwide hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673). Trained advocates will help by providing free confidential support and finding a hospital, medical center or sexual response unit.

In a recent CAV column, we highlighted our local Taos SANE program. If a sexual assault is suspected, Taos SANE nurses can provide immediate medical attention and conduct forensic exams, including sending blood and urine for testing for substances. Information is confidential, and law enforcement does not have to be involved.

Drugging someone to have sex is rape. Remember: Choosing to drink alcohol or take drugs never, ever means you choose to be assaulted. If you or someone you know has been the victim of assault, CAV provides free support and counseling.

Malinda Williams is the executive director of Community Against Violence (CAV), which offers FREE confidential support and assistance for child and adult survivors of sexual and domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and child/ elder abuse; community and school violence prevention programs; reeducation groups for people using power and control in their relationships; counseling; shelter; transitional housing; and community thrift store. To talk or get information on services, call CAV’s 24-hour helpline at 575-758-9888 or visit TaosCAV.org.