Drug Rape

What is Drug Rape
• Drug Rape occurs when a sexual assault takes place after drugs, for example, tranquillizers, antihistamines or sedatives are administered through a variety of different methods to an unsuspecting victim.



• A person cannot consent to sexual activity when under the influence of these drugs. Sexual activity without consent is against the law.

How and Where does it Occur?
• The administration of the drugs is most commonly done through the spiking of a drink. It can also be done through injection or nasal inhalation (snorting). The drugs used generally have no colour, taste or smell.



• Most people believe that this type of rape only occurs in bars or nightclubs. Drugging of victims occurs in a wide variety of places, including the victim’s home.

What Happens / Effects
• These rapes are premeditated as the perpetrator will be carrying the drugs with them.



• The drugs start to work anywhere from 10 – 30 minutes. Most people generally feel tired, sleepy, disorientated or dizzy as the drugs start to take an effect. This often leads to a feeling of extreme relaxation or inhibition. When the drug takes its full effect unconsciousness or partial consciousness may occur leaving no memory or only partial memory of what may have occurred.

How to Keep Safe
• Let someone know where you will be going.



• Carry a mobile phone with you if you have access to one.



• Buy your own drinks – watch the drink being poured or being opened if you can.



• Watch your drink and your friends’ drinks.



• If your drink doesn’t look as it should – changes in colour, doesn’t taste as it should, goes cloudy – Don’t drink it.



• If you feel drowsy or ‘not quite with it’ tell a friend, and ask them to take you somewhere safe.

What do I do if I Suspect this has happened to Me?
• Seek help - tell a friend and get some support is you feel able



• Believe in yourself – as you may not recall anything happening, but have woken feeling sore, naked or bruised – and ‘something’ does not feel right. This often stops people reporting the crime to the police, however most of the drugs used stay in the body between 48 – 72 hours – a urine and / or a blood test will be able to detect if any drugs have been present in your body.

"Compiled for the Sexual Abuse Centre by Megan Rowe"