Blog Contributed by Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC
In the overabundance of newness that comes with the onset of college, most students are focused on the opportunities presented: new friends, social circles, class schedules, sports, leisure activities, and everything in between. Dating is often included in this plethora of activity, as young adults begin to learn more about themselves and their hopes for relationships.
As difficult as it may be to accept, date rape is an occurrence on college campuses. Though it may be complicated to fathom how the two can be connected together, rape can come about through the instance of a “date” with someone whom the victim is acquainted.
In a nationally representative survey, it was found among female rape victims that perpetrators were reported to be:
- Intimate partners (51.1%)
- Family members (12.5%)
- Acquaintances (40.8%)
- Strangers (13.8%) [1]
College-aged women are particularly vulnerable, with a study of undergraduate women revealing that almost 20 percent had experienced attempted or completed sexual assault since entering college [2].
Increase Risk of Date Rate on College Campuses
Within the college culture, substance abuse can increase the risk for date rape, which is common in situations where the individuals involved are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Men may also utilize “date rape drugs” to take advantage of a situation that would otherwise appear harmless.
The drug Rohypnol is most often used in this situations, as it is odorless, tasteless, and easy to slip into a drink. Commonly known as “roofies”, “roachies”, or “ropies”, this date rape drug can severely impair judgment and motor skills, induce confusion and memory impairment, and cause drowsiness. If combined with alcohol, Rohypnol is especially dangerous, and can cause blackouts and loss of consciousness.
It’s Not Easy to Spot a Dangerous Situation
What may begin as an innocent encounter or date can quite easily escalate into a dangerous situation if intentions are debauched. As a college student who may be eager to become acclimated to a new social life or engaged with various community circles, it is important to take proactive steps to protecting yourself against a ruthless situation as date rape. What are some practical ways you can protect yourself and your body? Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid substance abuse: Refraining from drugs or alcohol that can be potentially intoxicating will only make it easier for you to remain in control of a situation. While it may be the “in” thing to do at the time, you will have a greater ability to protect and care for yourself when substances are not interfering with your judgment.
- Stay with a group: If you are heading to a party or event, consider going with a group of trusted friends. Stick together and watch out for each other. Perpetrators are less likely to be drawn to an individual who is joined with a group or circle of friends.
- Don’t leave a drink unattended: If you do decided to have a drink, always be sure to be cautious about what you do with it. While having someone else buy you a drink may be a nice gesture, it may give a predator an opportunity to tamper with it. Buy your own drink and keep it attended while drinking.
Create Awareness to Prevent Date Rape
Date rape is a terribly unfortunate situation that can happen far too often on college campuses. By creating greater awareness of this situation and promoting proactive steps for self-protection, the instances of date rape can be dramatically decreased.
References:
[1]: Black MC, et al. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 Summary Report. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2011.
[2]: Krebs CP, et al. College women’s experiences with physically forced, alcohol- or other drug-enabled, and drug-facilitated sexual assault before and since entering college. Journal of American College Health 2009; 57(6):639-647.