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Drug rape
Drug rape isn't all that common but it IS a risk on the Irish social scene.
Article by : SpunOut.ie
Drug rape or assault can happen when somebody deliberately spikes your drink or if they take advantage of you when you’re already drunk or drugged up. Young people are the most common victims of drug rape and both men and women are at risk from this sort of attack. You can be drug raped in bars, nightclubs, parties, social events, on holiday and even at someone’s house.
If you have been sexually abused or raped:
- Tell someone you trust, even if you were abused in the past but never spoke about it.
- If you’ve been assaulted or raped (or think you might have been) then report it to the police immediately. Don’t worry if you were drunk or taking drugs, the assault is much more serious.
- You have the right to ask for a male or female garda, police officer or doctor.
- When you’re reporting the attack you can ask for as many breaks as you want and leave the station any time you want.
- Reporting a crime means you’ll be asked a lot of detailed questions and should carefully read through your statement when it’s finished to make sure there are no mistakes.
- There are rape crisis centres where you can speak to someone confidentially if you’ve been raped or abused. The centres give support to victims of rape, sexual abuse or child sexual abuse. They can go with you to the Gardai or Police, listen to you or help in any way possible.
- Remember that it’s never your fault even if you feel guilty.
- If you think you’ve been drug raped ask for a medical examination or urine sample to be taken so they can check for traces of the drug.
How you react to sexual abuse or rape is different for everyone and it can take a long time for you to deal with what happened:
- You might feel disbelief, numb, frightened, powerless, ashamed, disgusted with yourself or humiliated.
- You might feel guilty and responsible for what happened or blame yourself for letting it happen.
- You might want to be alone and feel unable to tell anyone that you were sexually abused.
- You might have nightmares or flashbacks about what happened and find it difficult to get involved with anyone else.
- You might become self destructive or out of control: drinking too much or taking drugs.
Contact details for rape crisis centres in Ireland.
See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.
