Teen Violence

What is date rape? This article defines date rape and discusses date rape drugs and how date rape drugs work. Learn ways to reduce a teen's risk of becoming a victim of date rape, how to help a victim of date rape, and what to do if you are a victim of date rape.

Date rape is alarmingly common among teens, with as many as 1 in 5 young people being victims. This article explains what date rape is and some of steps teens can take to reduce their chances of becoming a victim.

Most victims of rape know their attacker. This is known as date rape, though the victim may only know the attacker and not be dating him or her. Though date rape can happen to anyone, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim.

What is date rape?

Date rape occurs when someone the victim knows forces them to have sex against their will. The exact definition of rape and date rape varies by state, but it generally includes:

• Physically forcing a person to have vaginal, oral, or anal sex
• Threatening to harm the victim or someone they care about to make them have sex
• Using an authority position, like being a teacher or boss, to make someone have sex
• Having sex with someone who can't make a decision to say yes or no, i.e. someone who is drugged or drunk
• Violating someone with an object

Other forms of unwanted sexual contact are generally considered sexual assault. Both are very serious crimes.

Even if a teen has had sex with someone in the past, the teen still has a right to say no to having sex again. A teen can also change his or her mind about wanting to have sex. In either of these cases if someone forces them to have sex, it is rape.

The victims of date rape can be male or female, and the attacker can also be of either gender.

According to the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, over 80% of rape cases are date rape. Most victims do not report rape, but 1 in 5 young women may be rape victims, and 1 in 3 may be the victims of sexual assault in their lifetimes. Most rapes and sexual assaults occur among teens and young adults.

It is important to remember that the victims of date rape are never at fault for the rape, even if they were flirting, dressed in suggestive clothing, or drinking or using drugs. Rape is a violent crime, not an act of passion.

Date rape drugs

Date rape drugs are powerful drugs that incapacitate a victim. The main date rape drugs include:

• Rohypnol, also called forget pill or roofies. It is usually a pill, dissolved or crushed in drinks. It may discolor the drink. 
• GHB, also called cherry meth, easy lay, G, or Liquid ecstacy. It is a liquid, powder, or pill, which may make drinks taste salty. 
• Ketamine, also called Special K, Black hole, or cat valium. It is a liquid or powder.
• Ecstasy
• Alcohol

These drugs cause weakness, confusion, and forgetfulness very quickly after being ingested. The victim can't defend him or herself, can't say no, and often can't remember what happened. It is easy to OD on these drugs or have a bad reaction, which may lead to death.

Ways to reduce a teen’s risk of being a victim

There are many things teens and adults can do to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of teen date rape:

• Follow your instincts. If teens have a bad feeling about a person or situation they should get away as quickly as possible.
• Teens should know what they want from a relationship and avoid those who pressure them for more.
• All teens should carry a cell phone when they go out and have someone they can call if they need help.
• Teens should avoid getting rides with people they don’t know well. A teen’s car should have fuel and be in good working condition.
• If a teen is attacked or threatened, he or she should focus on making a lot of noise and trying to get away.
• Teens should learn self defense.
• Acting confident and being aware of your surroundings makes you a less appealing target to most rapists.
• Teens who start dating young and who date people much older than themselves are at increased risk for unwanted sexual advances.
• Group dates and activities in well-lit public places are safer than being alone with someone.
• Don't drink or use drugs
• Even for nonalcoholic drinks, don't drink out of a communal bowl - always open your own drink at parties and never let it out of your site.
• Immediately report any threats to the police

How to help date rape victims

The most important thing you can do for the victim of date rape is avoid blaming the victim for the attack. Show him or her love and support, and encourage the person to get medical help. Even if the attack occurred some time ago, the victim should still be tested for sexually transmitted diseases and offered counseling to help deal with the anger and shame that often occur after a person is raped.

If you are the victim of date rape:

• Get medical help at the emergency room right away 
• Don't pee, shower, or change clothes before getting help
• Don't touch anything at the crime scene where the rape occurred
• Talk to a victims’ advocate whether or not you plan to press charges
• Get counseling for the negative feelings you are probably experiencing
• You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE

Victims of date rape may experience long-term mental or emotional reactions, including depression, substance abuse, and post traumatic stress disorder. Counseling can help victims recover from their experience.

Sources:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, womenshealth.gov, "Sexual Assault," and "Date Rape Drugs" [online]

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, girlshealth.gov, "What is rape and date rape?" [online]

Nemours, TeensHealth, "Date Rape" [online]

National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, "Sexual Assault Against Females" [online]