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Get medical attention. You may have hidden injuries and want to explore options for preventing
sexually transmitted infections/disease (STI/STD) and/or pregnancy. There are several medical resources available to you in addition to your own health practitioner. A few options are described below:
Because of the legal requirements of specimen collection, CSUF refers immediate post-assault victims/survivors to the SAFE program at Anaheim Memorial Hospital. This is the most appropriate if the assault was recent and the victim/survivor is choosing to report the assault. The Student Health Services can provide STD/STI, HIV, pregnancy tests and emergency contraception. The Student Health Center does not collect forensic evidence from rape exams. For more information please visit www.fullerton.edu/shcc/index.htm.
If the victim/survivor chooses to call the local police and report the incident, he/she can be transported to The Safe Place program at Anaheim Memorial Hospital. Hospital staff is specially trained female nurse examiners, who are experts at gathering forensic evidence and helping sexual assault victims/survivors. Advocates from CSP can also be present for emotional and legal support during the exam. Things to know before a SAFE exam: During the exam you can expect to be checked for internal or external injuries, foreign hair samples and semen or other bodily fluids. If possible, bring an extra set of clothes (the police may want the clothes worn during the assault for evidence) and a friend or another supportive person Do not shower, drink, eat, douche or change clothes prior to an exam. These activities destroy important physical evidence that is useful should you decide to make a police report. Also, document everything you remember happening with as much detail as possible.
Planned Parenthood is able to provide STD/STI screening and pregnancy testing. This is not a forensic exam, evidence will not be preserved. Emergency contraceptives are available.
If you think you’ve
been drugged Signs you’ve been drugged:
Most date rape drugs leave the body within 24-72 hours, so it is important to get a drug test as soon as possible after the assault has occurred. If you aren’t able to get tested in time, you can still file sexual assault charges if you wish. There may be other evidence that indicates you were sexually assaulted, regardless of whether you can prove you were drugged at the time. Drugs and Sexual Assault Alcohol Alcohol is the most frequently used date rape drug. Drinking until intoxicated is often the precursor to date/acquaintance rape. The offender and the victim/survivor are more likely to have lowered inhibitions, poor critical decision making skills, lessened empathy/greater narcissism if alcohol is involved. In new and unfamiliar situations having a clear head lessens the possibility of being taken advantage of. If you choose to drink:
GHB GHB is not legitimately manufactured; it is labeled as a “controlled substance” by the FDA. GHB looks, usually, like a clear, syrupy liquid or a powder form, not unlike laundry detergent. It tastes unpleasant, salty and plastic, and has a mild odor. Usually it is slipped into fruit drinks or strong shots so the taste is not apparent. Visine eye-dropper bottles are often used to disguise the liquid and as an efficient dispenser. Symptoms of GHB may peak in as few as 15 minutes and last from three to six hours. The drug creates a feeling of extreme intoxication and impaired judgement. Other symptoms may include: nausea, vomiting and hallucinations; aggressive behavior and uncontrollable twitching; extreme drowsiness, weakness, and reduced muscle-tone, blood pressure and respiratory rate; dizziness and confusion; hypothermia and seizure-like activity; suppression of the Gag Reflex and coma/death. GHB may cause enhance sexual feelings by the victim, and therefore, the victim may participate in reciprocal acts, as a result of the drug, rather than free will. After ingestion, GHB will remain in the blood stream in a measurable amount for only four to seven hours. However, the urine stream should have GHB in it for up to twelve hours after ingestion. Urine is always the sample of choice and should be obtained as soon as the victim is able and taken to a hospital as soon as possible. Rohypnol Rohypnol is the brand name of flunitrazepam and is manufactured by Hoffman-La Roche pharmaceutical company and is illegal in the U.S. It is smuggled in mainly across the Mexican border. Rohypnol looks like a large aspirin, has either a line or crossed lines and the word “Roche” written on the reverse side. (Many other Hoffman-La Roche drugs also have the work “Roche” on the back of pills.) When slipped into a drink, it quickly dissolves. The drug cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. When ingested, Rohypnol will quickly be absorbed into the bloodstream and central nervous system. The effects may appear within 10 to 20 minutes of ingestion, and the peak blood levels will appear within we minutes to an hour. It is quickly metabolized and passes through urine. Effects of the drug might last up to 24 hours. When mixed with alcohol or other drugs, the person will likely pass out, not be able to remember the rest of the night and suffer a huge hangover. A specialized drug test can detect the drug up to 72 hours after ingestion. Ketamine Ketamine is illegal to possess for personal use in the U.S. because it’s only legitimate use is as a veterinary aesthetic or animal tranquilizer. Ketamine can be found in either powder, pill or liquid, and can be snorted, swallowed, or injected directly into the muscle. It can cause a dissociation of the mind from the body. The person may hallucinate. This works to a rapist’s advantage, because the victim suffers from amnesia and hallucinations which may make recollection nearly impossible. Overdoses can cause the heart to stop beating. The effects of Ketamine may only last and hour or less, but person’s senses, judgement, and coordination may be affected for 18 to 24 hours. Tests can detect Ketamine in a person’s system up to 48 hours of ingestion. Reduce Your Risk Ways out of a dangerous situation If you are at a party, club, bar, or some other place where you might be put at risk, and you start to feel out of control, there are a few things you can do right away:
Strategies for safety There are several things you can do whenever you go to a party, club, or bar, or even on a date to reduce the risk that you will be a victim of date rape or sexual assault. If you are drinking alcohol:
Other tips:
Disclaimer: The information found on this site is intended as educational information only. You SHOULD NOT rely on the information to make any medical or legal decisions. Any medical or other decisions should be made in consultation with your health care provider. Any legal decisions should be made with your legal representative. The Women’s Center will not be liable for any complication, injuries, or other medical accidents arising from, or in connection with, the use of, or reliance upon, any information on this web site.
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