I was up at a college spending a weekend with my friends and I saw some flyers telling me that it was National Rape Awarness Week. I picked some information sheets up and decided that I would put that information here to share with all of you. Please pass this page along and make sure that people know they can always come here for this information if they need it.

Actions to Take If You Think You Have Been Drugged and Sexually Assaulted

If you or a friend feel dizzy, confused or have other sudden, unexplained symptoms after drinking a beverage, call a family member, friend, the police, a doctor or 911 for help in getting to a hospital.

HERE ARE THE STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE

Get to a safe place and call a rape crisis center for information or support. For a toll free rape crisis hotline, call
(800) 656-HOPE

Determine whether or not to report the incident to the police. If there is any chance you do want to report the assault, the person should not shower, bathe, douche, change clothes or straighten up the area until medical and legal evidence is collected because these actions will destroy evidence.

If you want to report the incident, first call the police and then go to the hospital and have the medical evidence collected.

Go to a hospital, clinic or private doctor for treatment of external and/or internal injuries, tests for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and support services.

Request a urine test to detect the presence of sedating substances as quickly as possible. Every hour matters. Chances of getting proof are best when the sample is obtained soon after the substance obtained 72 hours later. The test is free, and can be requested by law enforcement officers, rape crisis centers and hospital emergency departments by calling
(800) 608-6540

Substance-related rape has been occuring more frequently in recent years. Although the often tasteless drugs are hard to detect, there are precautionary steps one can take to reduce the risk or becoming prey to this criminal conduct.

Do not leave beverages unattended. >

Do not take any beverages, including alcohol, from someone you do not know well and trust.

At a bar or club, accept drinks only from the bartender or server.

At parties, do not accept open-container drinks from anyone.

Be alert to the behavior of friends and ask them to watch out for you. Anyone appearing to be extremely intoxicated after consuming only a small amount of alcohol may be in danger.

Share this information with friends and talk about ways to look out for each other when you are at parties and social events.

Anyone who appears they have consumed a sedative-like substance should be taken to a hospital emergency room or should call 911 for an ambulance. Try to keep a sample of the beverage for analysis.

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