Mozayani: Although statistics indicate that one in every four women will be sexually assaulted, surprisingly few rapes are ever reported. In 1996, only 31% of rapes and sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement. [National Crime Victimization Survey. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, 1997.] Take into account that few of these are prosecuted and even fewer result in a conviction, and the result is thousands of sexual offenders who never get caught. The decade of the nineties has brought a new twist to rape statistics that further decrease the number of sex crimes reported, prosecuted, and convicted—the so-called “date rape drugs.”

Sex crimes go unreported for various reasons including shame, cultural beliefs, and fear of stigmatization. But another explanation is that the victim cannot recall the details of the events surrounding the attack. Such memory loss can occur when the victim has been under the influence of sedatives such as Rohypnol, GHB, or Ketamine. Even alcohol can induce a state of amnesia, or a “black-out”. According to statistics, 90% of all sexual assaults involve alcohol and/or drugs (www.campusoutreachservices.com).

Rohypnol Is Famous, But Alcohol Is the Winner

Rohypnol (flunitrazepam), although illegal in the United States, is readily acquired from countries that legally prescribe the drug as a sleep aid. Commonly known as “roofies,” Rohypnol dissolves quickly, acts within 20-30 minutes, and can last 8 hours or more depending on the dosage. These features, along with it being colorless and odorless, makes the drug easy to slip into a person's drink without her knowledge.

Although GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyerate), also known as “Liquid Ecstasy” or “Liquid X”, has been publicized as a dangerous drug in recent years, it is still commonly used recreationally as a euphoric drug. GHB, which consists of ingredients available at health food stores, comes in a clear odorless liquid that has a salty taste easily masked when mixed in a drink. The duration of the effects, including drowsiness, decreased inhibitions, and respiratory distress, depends on the dosage, but begin within minutes of ingestion.

Using a drug as a weapon for sexual assault is not a new phenomenon. Historically, assailants used hallucinogens, hypnotics or depressants. In recent years, though, these date rape drugs have materialized, and new ones are emerging every year. Scopolamine, for instance, has been reported in date rape cases in the U.S. and Columbia. This depressant is found in jimsonweed and causes unconsciousness and amnesia. Lormetazepam, a nighttime sedative available in Europe, has been detected in sexual assault victims as well. Ketamine or “Special K,” which comes in a tablet form, can also be used, causing blurred vision, disorientation, hallucinations, and an inability to communicate.

In addition to these drugs, abuse of alcohol by young adults can result in unwanted sexual advances and/or sexual assault. According to Texas law (penal code 22.011) a sexual assault is without the consent of the victim if she “has not consented and the actor knows the other person is unaware that the sexual assault is occurring,” or if “the actor has intentionally impaired” the victim's mental state “by administering any substance without the other person’s knowledge.” This precludes that any woman who participates in a sexual activity, who is also past the drinking limit, and therefore mentally incapacitated, can make a claim of sexual assault.

Inability to recall a crime makes prosecution of a case difficult. Sexual assault is a crime of a personal nature, whereby victims often don't want to be in the spotlight to begin with. When alcohol and/or drugs are involved, the victim can feel guilt, especially if alcohol was consumed willingly. Because these date rape drugs leave the victim with low inhibitions, witnesses may even report seeing the victim seemingly willingly intimate with the attacker.

If a victim suspects she has been drugged, it is important that she seek help quickly in order to gain the physical evidence necessary to prosecute. The U.S. Department of Justice recommends that a urine specimen be collected from the victim within 96 hours of suspected use of a date rape drug. Unfortunately, though, the effects of these drugs often cause a 24-48 hour hangover, which makes a victim less likely to seek assistance soon after the assault.

Victims of sexual assault should contact their local law enforcement immediately after the attack and proceed to a hospital for medical treatment and collection of physical evidence. Call the RAINN hotline (800-656-HOPE) for additional rape crisis assistance.

I would like to thank Sara Katsanis for her assistance in the writing this article.