What is rape and how do you avoid date rape drugs?

Rape and date rape are both crimes. The former is sex you don’t agree to, while date rape is when you are sexually assaulted by someone you know (such as your boyfriend).

Rape isn’t about sex; it’s a terrible, criminal act and is always wrong.

Date rape is often related to specific drugs, which may be slipped into drinks and have no taste or smell. The combination of date rape drugs and alcohol makes you less able to think clearly and resist sexual assault.

Drugs of this kind might make you less aware of danger and unable to say “no” to unwanted sex, but they may also leave you with a hazy memory of what happened.

It’s important to remember that is is never your fault as the victim if you’re subjected to rape or date rape.

How to avoid date rape drugs

With no colour, taste or smell, date rape drugs are tricky to identify. They also come in many forms, and can leave you feeling helpless and unable to move.

Knowing whether or not a party or club you’re planning to visit will be dangerous isn’t easy, and it’s an unfortunate fact that date rape drugs could be present anywhere.

Thankfully, the likelihood of you coming into contact with them is relatively low, but there are some important things you can do to protect yourself:

• buy and open your own drinks – don’t let other people hand you them;
• don’t share your drinks;
• keep your drink with you – always (even if you have to go to the toilet);
• avoid drinking anything that looks, tastes or smells strange;
• always go on nights out or to parties with people you trust, such as close friends or family members;
• don’t accept “party drugs” if offered; and
• avoid drinking from punch bowls or any other large, open container intended for mass consumption.

Always say “no”

No one has the right to force you into anything you don’t want to do, and if you keep our tips above in mind and ensure you always attend such events with people you trust, you’ll be doing everything you can to stay safe.