The Monterey County Rape Crisis Center (MCRCC) is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to advocate for all victims and survivors of sexual assault and child sexual abuse, to prevent sexual violence in our community through education, and to provide ongoing support and healing to survivors of sexual assault.
 
 
 

FBI Statistics indicate that alcohol is involved with
75%-80% of rapes

Alcohol is the number one and original predator drug used in sexual assault. Alcohol and drugs may leave an individual vulnerable to sexual assault as they inhibit judgment, impair motor functioning and coordination, and affect the ability to maintain consciousness. Does this mean that if you are raped while under the influence it is your fault? Absolutely not!

If you, or someone you know, has been drinking and a rape occurs, it is not your fault. The first thing you should do is seek help. Your health, safety and security are of the utmost importance. Drinking does not change the fact that you have been violated. You have a right to control your body that should not be taken away when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consuming alcohol may place you in a precarious position, but it is not an invitation for rape. If you or a friend has been sexually assaulted while under the influence, your first priority is getting help and ensuring your safety.

THE USE OF ALCOHOL IS NEVER AN INVITATION TO BE RAPED!!

Date Rape Drugs and Predator Drugs are common tools used by perpetrators to take advantage of innocent victims. We know that alcohol is the most widely abused predator drug, but there are many others that can be extremely dangerous. They can easily be slipped into someone's drink without the individual's knowledge. These drugs may be consumed unknowingly, forcefully, or voluntarily. They can be found in virtually any environment such as bars/clubs, house-parties and/or raves. Unfortunately these drugs are not limited to these locations. Sexual assaults can occur in your home, or even the home of someoneís home you trust, regardless of whether or not drugs are consumed. Sexual assault often occurs when people believe they are in otherwise safe environments. Perpetrators use these situations to take advantage of their victims while under the influence. It is known that 70-80% of rapes are perpetrated by someone known to the victim. Rape and sexual assault often occur when a personís guard is down in what is thought to be a safe, non-threatening environment. It is for this reason, understanding the effects of drugs and alcohol is imperative in the prevention/reduction of sexual assault and rape.

Predator drugs usually take effect between 15-30 minutes after they are ingested, and the effects can last between 3-8 hours. All the following drugs may be in powder, pill or liquid form.

Some common predator drugs include:

Rohypnol:



- Overview: Rohypnol is legal in 64 other countries and illegal in the U.S. This drug was originally used as a sleeping aid for those with sleeping disorders. Rohypnol is odorless, tasteless and possibly colorless.

- Effects: Slowing of psychomotor performance, sleepiness, amnesia, dizziness and muscle relaxation.

- Street names: Forget Pill, La Rocha, Roachies, Roofies, etc.

- Common form: White or blue pill

Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (G.H.B.):



- Overview: This drug is difficult to detect because G.H.B. is odorless, colorless and has a slight salty taste. G.H.B. can be made out of household products. An individual under the influence of G.H.B. may feel drunk sooner than normal. G.H.B. is especially dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

- Effects: Impaired memory, blackouts, dizziness, loss of motor coordination and functioning, vomiting, blurred vision.

- Street names: Easy Lay, Cherry Meth, Fantasy, Liquid E, Salty Water, etc.

- Common form: Liquid

Ketamine:



- Overview: Legally used by veterinarians as an anesthetic for animals, the drug has also been used by humans. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic (separates perception from sensation).

- Effects: Impaired perception, numbness, loss of coordination and/or motor control, aggressive behavior and slurred speech.

- Street names: Special K, Kat Valium, Kit Kat, Super Acid, etc.

- Common form: Pill or liquid

Soma:



- Overview: Soma is generally a prescription drug. It is used as a muscle relaxant and is also a nervous system depressant. It is often used in combination with other drugs in order to prolong the duration and increase the effects of the drugs.

- Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, irritability, headache.

- Street names: D's, Dance, Danz, Somas, etc.

- Common form: Pill

MDMA (Ecstasy):



- Overview: Is a mind altering drug that is a modified methamphetamine. MDMA, when mixed with marijuana and alcohol is especially dangerous.

- Effects: Euphoria, increase body temperature, involuntary teeth clenching, increased heart rate, loss of appetite and increased sensitivity to feeling and touch.

- Street names: E, Love Drug, Hug Drug, X, XTC, etc.

- Common form: Pill

Some safety tips include:

- Choose drinks that are in a sealed container (open bottles and cans yourself).

- Purchase your own drinks and watch them being poured.

- Don't leave your drink unattended.

- Avoid drinks that have candy or objects in them.

- Avoid drinking from a punch bowl (punch bowls/fruit cocktails often contain excessive amounts of alcohol and the mixture of fruit can mask the alcohol content. In addition, punch bowls can contain drugs).

- Bring your own beverages to house parties.

- Arrive and leave with the same people (look after your friends).

- Be aware of your surroundings.

*For more information on how to keep yourself safe, click here

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There exist approximately 22 substances used in drug facilitated rapes."


"Alcohol is the most common date rape drug found in drug-facilitated sexual assault cases."


"A survey of college women indicated that 15% reported having anal or vaginal intercourse when they did not want to because they were unable to consent as a result of incapacitation by drugs or alcohol."


  
     
     
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