drug rape

The so called 'drug rape' (particularly the drug Rohypnol) is a label that the media has used in response to attacks on women and girls that have happened in the UK and Europe over the last ten years where drugs have been given to the women (unwittingly) in social settings e.g. a dance club, pub or bar by a man, or men who is known/unknown to the woman. The drug/s are usually 'delivered' through alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.

Drug assisted rape has actually been happening since time began, but was labelled 'drug' rape in America in 1993. Media attention has focused on drugs like Rohypnol but other drugs such as alcohol, prescription medication and street drugs have been used for many years in order to gain access and incapacitate women as potential victims. The forced misuse of tranquillisers and other prescribed drugs are regularly used in the rape of women and girls in their own homes.

What are the effects of drug rape?

It is important to point out that reactions will vary from individual to individual and will depend on which type of drug was used.

Drugs used may result in a woman becoming physically 'helpless' to respond, may result in loss of memory of the assault (which may or may not return) or may stimulate sexual response. Even if she consented to take the drug (and that might be the case) she is still not responsible for any subsequent abuse.

Women may experience extreme fearfulness or an 'out of control' sensation, particularly if they cannot remember clearly what happened when the memories start to come back. Women may have suffered physical injury but will be unaware of it immediately or unaware of how the injury happened.