Navigating Consent: The Dangers of Date Rape Culture

Imp Note: This thread is for information purposes only. We are no means or ways victim-shaming or supporting the culprit. We are simply providing information that you can use as you navigate consent and as we work towards a better society.

Date Rape also named as Acquaintance Rape, refers to a form of sexual violence.

The rapist often uses substances to attack the victim. The two terms acknowledge the fact that the victim did not give consent to sexual intercourse even if, in most cases, they knows the abuser.

The attacker uses many techniques to approach their victim, such as giving an overdose of alcohol, putting a specific drug powder into drinks or food, or injecting directly the drug product in the body.

When the term "date-rape drug" is heard, people often think of roofies, a nickname for a tranquilizer called Rohypnol.

The drug can be any substance, legal or illegal, which is used to take advantage of and sexually assault the victim. After taking it, the person becomes confused, has high psychic and physical troubles, cannot defend himself/herself, and is not able to remember what happened later. We say hence, that the victim has been "roofied".

Apart from Rohypnol other substances used are:

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB). GHB is a depressant. It’s also named easy lay, liquid ecstasy, or fantasy. Doctors sometimes prescribe it to treat a form of sleep disorder called narcolepsy.

Ketamine. This is a type of psychedelic drug that makes one feel detached from reality and gives hallucinations. It’s also named Special K or vitamin K. Doctors and veterinarians use it as an anesthesia. It's sometimes used for treatment-resistant depression.

Victims suffer from long-term trauma accompanied by sleep disorders, addictions, loneliness, and feelings of being abandoned by the authorities and justice. In many countries, date rape is still taboo though there has been huge effort since the 1980s by feminist activists, associations of women's protection, and victims in the United States. Their pain and trauma are being overlooked, procedures take a long time, and cases are being closed due to lack of evidence. Also, the fact that this type of assault is hardly recognized, unlike marital violence, for example, makes things even more challenging.

Go out with a group of people you trust. Check up on each other throughout the night.

Avoid parties or clubs where you don't feel safe. Check the reviews on the internet for clubs and the security level. Is there a police station nearby? Is it in a crowded place?

Avoid drinking from an open container that could be spiked, like a punch bowl or drink that's being passed around. Keep your glass with you and take it with you wherever you go.

Don’t accept drinks from other people. If someone offers to get you a drink, go with them and watch it being poured.

Keep your phone with you and add emergency numbers to your contact. Activate your location.

Try to learn self-defense techniques. Depending on the country, you may be able to keep certain products with you, such as pepper spray or a taser.

It’s never easy to think about all the following steps but the more you collect proofs, the more authorities will be able to help you.

Try not to pee, shower, wash your hands, change clothes, or even brush your teeth before you go to the hospital. The medical staff will need to gather as much information as they can.

Call 911 (USA emergency number) and have someone you trust take you to the hospital.

Tell the nurse and doctor what happened. They’re here to hear you out. They won’t judge you. Give them the maximum details as you can.

Ask to run a urine test as soon as possible as the drugs don't stay in the body for too long.

No matter how much you drank or what drugs you took without your consent, date rape is never your fault. It’s common to go through a range of emotions afterward. Talk to someone you trust or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) any time.

If you’re living in India, call 112, 100 (Police), or 181 (Women Emergency number).

If you’re from the UK, call 112 or 999.

The Crazy Creatives send you all the love and support if you’ve been a victim. You’re not alone. Together we stand against any form of injustice. Take care.

oh_nakhrewaali | Life_Is_Dutiful

Minionite | Leprechaun

A very important topic given that we are finally beginning to talk more openly about consent and choice.

A must and the most important topic that requires a lot of attention among young people. It is a sexual assault where the perpetrator and the victim know each other. It could occur during a date or in any situation where there is a pre-established relationship No matter how casual it is, it is still a serious offense.

Highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting consent in all interpersonal interactions is a social responsibility of all. Unfortunately, it’s a reality in today’s society that necessitates legal and social awareness.

This is a much-needed discussion about this social menace in recent times.

Thank you, Maria, for starting this thread, and I admire the CC team for taking such a great initiative.

Much needed thread

Thank you CC team for making it

Good initiative!

We all must stand against any form of abuse.

Let us understand and support.

Cheers..

Thank you for this important discussion on date rape culture. The information on the substances used and the practical safety tips you’ve shared are really helpful. It’s crucial to understand these dangers and take steps to protect ourselves.

Acquaintance rape, is a serious issue that often gets overlooked. Knowing about the tactics and drugs used by perpetrators can help us stay safe. The safety tips you’ve provided, like staying with friends, being careful with drinks, and learning self-defense, are essential.

The advice on what to do if someone becomes a victim is also very important. Seeking medical help and preserving evidence are key steps. From my point of view, talking openly about date rape is crucial for building a culture of respect and consent. It’s not just about dealing with the immediate dangers but also about addressing the deeper issues that allow these crimes to happen. The more we discuss these issues, the better we can push for better support and changes in the law to protect and support victims.

Thank you to all the Crazy Creatives for bringing up yet another critical topic to discuss. By raising awareness and educating ourselves, we can work towards a society where everyone feels safe and respected.

It is terrible to witness women, girls, and children fall prey to male lust, which is a violent act directed towards women and girls.

Date rape is NEVER the victim’s fault. Sexual assault is a violent attack on an individual, not a spontaneous crime of sexual passion. It's a well planned crime to douse one's lust. For a victim, it is a humiliating and degrading act. No one “asks” for or deserves this type of attack.

Most sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. Studies show that approximately 80%–90% of women reporting sexual assaults knew their assailant. It can happen anywhere and at any time. The majority of assaults occur in places ordinarily thought to be safe, such as homes,and offices.

The majority of men are not violent, but the use of violence is a choice, for a particular reason, they say! Jealousy and possessiveness are signs that the person sees you as a possession. They are one of the most common early warning signs of abuse.

No one deserves to be physically, verbally, or sexually abused. In fact, putting the blame for the violence on the victim is a way to manipulate the victim and other family members. Offenders will tell the victim, "You made me mad," or, "You made me jealous"-- this is atrocious!

Families need to support their children's good conduct and raise them to be decent people rather than criminals. In fact, everyone has a responsibility to prevent such crimes. If a friend/ or family member says they have been raped, take your friend seriously and be supportive. Let survivors know that it is not their fault. Hold abusers accountable for their actions, do not let them make excuses like blaming the victim for their behaviour. Please...be an active bystander, try to save the victim from the criminal. Please.. never blame the victim by saying, -- “She asked for it!” Glorifying the assault with such nasty comments—"Boys will be boys!”--- Yes, it was said by a political party leader in the jam packed parliament a few years back!

The commodification of women's bodies, the glamorisation of sexual violence, and the use of misogynistic language all contribute to the perpetuation of rape culture and the resulting society that disregards the safety and rights of women.

Once again, kudos to our Crazy Creatives for posting this much-needed thread.