Cases of date rape are increasing with alarming rapidity, especially in the larger metro cities, and instead of indulging in a blame game as to who is responsible, it is better to understand how it happens and to protect oneself from it. In some cases the rape may be committed by friends, or even family members. Sometimes, this is also referred to as “acquaintance rape” when it is done by a new (or old) acquaintance. What is relevant is that it involves sexual intercourse without mutual consent.

How it happens:

The drugs used for date rape normally render the victim unconscious but responsive, with little or no memory of what happened under the influence of the drug. The drugs have the effect of making the victim act without inhibition, sometimes in a physically or sexually affectionate way. As with most drugs, they also render a person incapable of thinking clearly or making appropriate decisions. The drugs also make the victim passive but still partially able to play a role. Usually, the victim has no memory of what has happened, as a result of which even if they are aware or have suspicions that they have been raped, they make very poor witnesses.

Date rape is not always the correct terminology for this offense, since it may even be perpetuated by strangers at a social setting. In some cases, there may be many others, including siblings or friends who conspire to commit the crime.

As a police office says, “We have had a few such cases, but most girls and their parents are afraid of reporting the cases for fear of social stigma.”

Some feel that date rape is totally the fault of the girl. “They wear revealing dresses, and they attend these late night parties where they dance seductively, and want to be known as “hep” and “cool”. They give off these messages, so why cry when something like this happens?”

It’s not your fault:

It is necessary to understand that date rape is a growing problem and can happen to anyone, not just to “those types of girls”. It happens across all sections of society – lower, middle, upper, and even the creme-de-lacreme.

This is an act of social bestiality and in many cases; it’s not just done by strangers, the victims may even know their attacker. The legal definition of sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that a person does not agree to, ranging from inappropriate touching to sexual intercourse and even attempted rape. If you’ve had sex and can’t remember having given your consent or having done it, it is a case of rape, whether or not a drug has been used. In such a situation you should take the initiative to report the case immediately. The crime is punishable to the extent of life imprisonment under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code.

The drugs used:

Date rape is made easier by the intake of alcohol, marijuana, or street/club drugs like ecstasy. Even anti-histamines and cold medications can facilitate in committing this heinous crime. Then there are the specific “date rape drugs” which are usually Rohypnol, Ketamine Hydrochloride (also known as Kit-kat, Purple, Black Hole, Green or Cat Valium) and Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate (GHB). These drugs are available in various forms – liquid, pills or white powder, which dissolve easily in drinks. They are tasteless, colourless and odourless. They leave the body within 72 hours and do not show up in any routine blood or urine tests. If date rape is suspected, doctors and police conduct special tests to look specifically for them, and they have to do it quickly before the drug leaves the body.

Act quickly:

As with any drugs, these drugs (along with alcohol) make it difficult for the victim to think clearly and resist a physical or sexual assault. They may also cause memory loss and blackouts. But if you think you have been victimized, this is what you must do:

• Go immediately to the police or a hospital and request them to carry out a physical examination along with blood/urine tests.
• Do not urinate before taking the test.
• Do not take a bath or change clothes since they contain crucial evidence.

Remember that it is not your fault and it can happen to anyone. Reporting these crimes and stern police action is the only way to deter such criminals.