What is Date Rape?
Date rape is unlawful sexual intercourse committed during a
social engagement between the rapist and victim. Force may or may not be
present. Date rape can occur where the victim has been drugged so as to impair
his or her judgment and ability to consent.
Common Date Rape Drugs
Below is a list of common date rape drugs. All of these drugs are difficult to
detect and are commonly slipped into drinks:
- Rohypnol:
also referred to as ¿roofies¿
- Rohypnol is tasteless,
colorless, and odorless and comes in pill form. It can be crushed into
drinks and dissolves quickly
- While not approved by
the Food and Drug Administration in the United
States, Rohypnol is available in South America,
Asia and Europe as a treatment for insomnia ¿ it is commonly available on
the street in the United
States
- Rohypnol is detectable
in the blood stream for 24 hours and in urine for 48 hours
- Gamma Hydroxy
Butyrate (GHB): also called ¿liquid ecstasy¿
- GHB is a tasteless,
colorless, and odorless liquid drug
- GHB is an illegal drug
- Ketamine
Hydrochloride: or ¿Special K¿
- Ketamine is a legal
liquid drug sold as a veterinary sedative
- Ketamine is detectable
in the system up to 48 hours depending upon the method of ingestion
What Can You Do if You Have Been or Think You Have Been Date Raped?
Contact the authorities and go to a medical doctor immediately. Medical centers
can preserve evidence of rape. Traces of date rape drugs disappear quickly from
the body so it is important to get medical attention immediately.
What Can You Do if You Have Been Accused of Date Rape?
A skilled criminal defense lawyer familiar with your state laws can
explain your options and help formulate possible defenses.
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