Undetectable danger: Rohypnol and sexual assault
Reena Besa
Issue date: 9/24/02 Section: Features
"Going on a date is not an invitation for a criminal act, such as sexual assault," says Brenden.
Although majority of the victims of sexual assault are female, men are not immune from becoming victims. Such cases tend to go unheard of because of cultural gender expectations.
"Men are less likely to come forward [after an assault], there is a stigma that these things aren't suppose to happen [to men]," says Brenden.
Both Parrent and Brenden have noted a case where a man was sexually assaulted, and the cause is suspected to be the use of rohypnol.
"If someone feels they have been victimized … by this type of drugging, then they should go straight to the hospital. You don't have much time before [the drug] exits the body," says Parrent. "Go directly to the hospital from there. The police will be able to meet with you and a rape kit procedure will be done to preserve evidence."
A mistake often made by sexual assault victims is going to take a shower immediately after the assault. Although it is a natural response to such an attack, showering erases all forensic evidence of the assault, making it difficult for police to track down perpetrators.
"When we talk about rohypnol, awareness is a key factor in preventing anything from happening to you. Knowing that it's out there can prevent you from becoming a victim, knowledge is your strongest power," encourages Parrent.
While Brenden advises people not to be paranoid of their surroundings but to use common sense.
"Know your alcohol limit. Watch your drinks. Make sure you use the buddy system. Know where your friends are and who they are leaving a bar, night club, or party with, if anyone other than the friends they came with."
Although majority of the victims of sexual assault are female, men are not immune from becoming victims. Such cases tend to go unheard of because of cultural gender expectations.
"Men are less likely to come forward [after an assault], there is a stigma that these things aren't suppose to happen [to men]," says Brenden.
Both Parrent and Brenden have noted a case where a man was sexually assaulted, and the cause is suspected to be the use of rohypnol.
"If someone feels they have been victimized … by this type of drugging, then they should go straight to the hospital. You don't have much time before [the drug] exits the body," says Parrent. "Go directly to the hospital from there. The police will be able to meet with you and a rape kit procedure will be done to preserve evidence."
A mistake often made by sexual assault victims is going to take a shower immediately after the assault. Although it is a natural response to such an attack, showering erases all forensic evidence of the assault, making it difficult for police to track down perpetrators.
"When we talk about rohypnol, awareness is a key factor in preventing anything from happening to you. Knowing that it's out there can prevent you from becoming a victim, knowledge is your strongest power," encourages Parrent.
While Brenden advises people not to be paranoid of their surroundings but to use common sense.
"Know your alcohol limit. Watch your drinks. Make sure you use the buddy system. Know where your friends are and who they are leaving a bar, night club, or party with, if anyone other than the friends they came with."
