Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Actress Dame Helen Brings Date Rape Into The Public Eye


In Britain's GQ magazine, Dame Helen, a 63-year-old, spoke of date rape, using cocaine, and her Academy Award winning portrayal of The Queen. She revealed that she was date-raped "a couple of times" when she was young but complained that "you couldn't do that in those days." Helen said it was rape even if the woman waited until the last second to say "no." However, she added, "I don't think she can have that man into court under those circumstances. I guess it is one of the subtle parts of the men/women relationship that has to be negotiated and worked out between them." Legal Pub disagrees! Prosecution can and should be pursued.

What is date rape? "Date rape" refers to the non-consensual sexual activity between people who are acquainted either platonic or sexually. This type of unwelcome assault takes place during a social interaction. It may be planned or spontaneous. The majority of rape victims (68 percent) knew their rapist either as a boyfriend, friend or casual acquaintance. (Bureau of Justice Special Report: Intimate Partner Violence, May 2000) In some cases, drugs such as flunitrazepam, GHB, midazolam, temamepam, or ketamine are used to neutralize resistance or even consciousness. However, good old alcohol is the most frequent chemical used in date rape. Memory loss is the number one reason for lack of prosecution of the crime. This makes date rape more difficult to prove then it would otherwise be.


What should you do if you suspect "date rape?" First, there are signs that sexual activity has taken place even if you have no memory of it. (It is important to note that you can also have no memory of consensual sex, so be careful prior to making accusations.) Signs of a sexual assault may include; soreness or bruising in the genital area, soreness or bruising in the anal area, bruising on the inner and/or outer thighs, bruising on the wrists and forearms, defensive bruising or scratching, used condoms, and traces of semen or vaginal fluids on clothes or furniture. Signs that a date rape drug may have been given include: feeling "hung-over" despite having ingested little or no alcohol, a sense of having had hallucinations or very "real" dreams, fleeting memories of feeling or acting intoxicated despite having taken no drugs or alcohol and no clear memory of events during an 8 to 24 hour period. But there is no way to be sure without medical testing. If you suspect date rape with a drug, go to a hospital quickly and be properly tested. Drugs can be found in your system if you act quickly. Also request a preliminary rape exam.


How can one protect against "date rape drugs?"


1. Don't accept open drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from people you do not know.


2. In bars or clubs always get your drink directly from the bartender.


3. Only accept drinks in close containers: bottles, cans or tetra packs.


4. Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back on your table.


5. Never drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs.


6. If there is talk of date rape drugs or if friends seem "too intoxicated," leave the party or club immediately and don't go back!


7. There is a brand new defense against date rape drugs called "Drink Safe Technology." It involves litmus paper strips that change color when they come in contact with a date rape drug. The strips fit in your purse or pocket and can be used quickly and discretely. Visit http://www.drinksafetech.com/.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Serious subject

Ms Calabaza said...

LP,

thanks so much for this great post! I am printing it out and handing it to some teenagers I deal with. I'm hoping they'll spread the news. . .

Anonymous said...

This really is a great service. Thanks L.P.


Jill

Anonymous said...

Neat that there is technology available for one to protect themselves.

Secrets said...

I love the drink safe coasters with the test stips that allow you to test your drink. Thats brilliant.

Great advice. I'm with you Ms C. I'm printing this out too.

Secrets said...

meant to type "strips"

oops

Did You Stop to Think? said...

An important post. I'd like to add that for guys, it's easier to find yourself in a position to commit date rape than you realize. I tell my own story of nearly date raping someone in "God;" (due to nudity and lots of alcohol). Thankfully, I was experienced enough to exercise self-control and it didn't happen. I've put up that excerpt of "God" on my own blog today as addition to the advice here by Legal Pub. I find it helps a lot to see a date rape situation played out in real life to really get it and see how easily it can happen, as if suddenly appearing from nowhere.

http://www.lunchisnotadate.org/?p=49

Again, good post Legal Pub.

Anonymous said...

Great link and post Mr. Coburn. Guys be careful. One slip and you could wind up a Kennedy.


Joe G.

Anonymous said...

Just a word of caution. I was once accused of date rape. Fortunately when the detective asked the following questions, the charges were dismissed:

Detective: When did you first realize that you were raped?

Alleged Victim: When his check bounced.


Jester

Anonymous said...

Jester, you are too funny...

and apparently too ugly too if you have to pay for a date!

Anonymous said...

Jester prefers to date lawyers... cause he knows there are somthings prostitutes won't do for money

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

This is too serious of a topic to tolerate spam!

Anonymous said...

Date rape is a felony!