NCPC/Date 12/28/99 7:46 AM Page 1

Take Action What Are “Date Rape” Drugs? Date Rape Rohypnol (“roofies,” “roopies,” “circles,” “the forget Ask your student government or a par- pills”) works like a tranquilizer. It causes muscle weak- ent group to sponsor a workshop on A Power Trip ness, fatigue, slurred speech, loss of motor coordina- date rape and sexual stereotyping. tion and judgment, and amnesia that lasts up to 24 Work with a hotline or crisis center to hours. It looks like aspirin—small, white, and round. persuade rape victims to join the panel. Volunteer at a or GHB (also known as “liquid X,” “salt water,” or hotline. “scoop”) also causes quick sedation. Its effects are Monitor the media for programs or drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, videos that reinforce sexual stereotypes. coma, and death. Its most common form is a clear liq- Write, call, or e-mail to protest. On the uid, although it also can be a white, grainy powder. other side, publicly commend the media Rohypnol and GHB are called “date rape drugs” when they highlight the realities of date because when they are slipped into someone’s drink, rape. a can take place without the victim being able to remember what happened.

or ashamed, and don’t try to ignore it. It is a crime that should be reported. Crime Prevention Tips From National Crime Prevention Council Get medical attention as soon as possi- 1700 K Street, NW, Second Floor ble. Do not shower, wash, douche, or Washington, DC 20006-3817 change your clothes. Valuable evidence www.weprevent.org could be destroyed. and Get counseling to help you through the recovery process. Rape is a traumatic experience and trained counselors can make recovery easier and quicker. If you think you’ve been sexually assaulted under the influence of a , get medical help immediate- The National Citizens’ Crime Prevention Campaign, sponsored ly. Try not to urinate before providing by the Crime Prevention Coalition of America, is substantially funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice any urine samples. If possible, collect Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. any containers from which you drank. If It Happens to Someone You Know… Production made possible in part by a grant from Believe her. The American Legion Ask her how you can help. Child Welfare Foundation, Inc. Offer comfort and support. Go with her to the hospital, police station, or coun- seling center. Remind her that it is not her fault. National Crime Prevention Council NCPC/Date Rape 12/28/99 7:46 AM Page 2

Why Does it Happen? or uneasy, leave. Always take enough money for a phone call for help. Let’s look at sexual stereotyping and Check out a first date or blind date with how males and females talk to each friends. Meet in and go to public places. other. Take pubic transportation or drive your Although things are changing, society own car. still frequently encourages men to be Leave social events with friends not competitive and aggressive and teaches with someone you just met or don’t women to be passive and avoid con- know well. frontation. Always watch your drink and never Men say they misunderstand a woman’s leave it unattended. Don’t accept bever- othing—not words and actions—the excuse “she ages from someone you don’t know and said no, but meant yes.” trust. Neven previous Some people—men and women alike— still believe that it’s okay for a man to As a Man, You Can… consensual sex—entitles demand sex if he takes a woman out or Realize that forcing a woman to have anyone to force others to buys her gifts, and that it’s not rape if sex against her will is rape, a violent he forces sex on a woman who previ- crime with serious consequences. perform sexual acts. ously had sex with him or other men. Accept a woman’s decision when she Without consent, forcing Women also feel that if they’ve previ- says “no.” Don’t see it as a challenge. ously had sex with their boyfriend and Ask yourself how sexual stereotypes sexual contact is a crime. he later forces her to have sex against affect your attitudes and actions toward her will, it may not be considered rape. women. Date rape is a betrayal Don’t use alcohol and other drugs—it of trust and causes Date rape can happen in homosexual relationships as clouds your judgement and understand- well as heterosexual ones. Although it is less frequent, ing of what another person wants. men can also be the victim of rape. It is still a crime long-lasting emotional and the victim still needs to get medical attention and Get help if you see men involved in a . injuries. Date rape or counseling as soon as possible. Understand that if a woman is drunk is and you have sex with her against her Preventing Date Rape will, it’s still rape. about power, control, Seek counseling or a support group to and anger—not romance. As a Woman, You Can… help you if you feel violent or aggressive Be clear with men in your life about toward women. what, if any, sexual behavior you are comfortable with and keep talking as If Date Rape Happens… you get deeper into a relationship. Remember that rape is rape. You are Don’t use alcohol or other drugs—they not to blame. Remember that and know decrease your ability to take care of that action against the rapist can pre- yourself and make sensible decisions. vent others from becoming victims. Trust your gut feelings. If a place or the Get help immediately. Phone the police, way your date acts makes you nervous a friend, a rape crisis center, a relative. Don’t isolate yourself, don’t feel guilty