Undetectable danger: Rohypnol and sexual assault

Most students go out to bars with friends intending to meet people, dance, drink and simply relieve pressures associated with the daily academic grind. After listening to professors, dealing with assignment deadlines and chewing through dry course readings, a little recreation almost seems like a necessity.In recent years, however, the dangers associated with this type of recreation have expanded beyond the traditional concerns about hangovers and morning-after regrets. Now revelers have to worry about becoming a victim of so-called "date rape drugs:" colourless, odourless substances that can render the victim unconscious, particularly when combined with alcohol.

Of all the date rape drugs, the one commonly seen as the most dangerous is rohypnol, more commonly known as "roofies."

"A lot of people feel there is a misconception, many erroneously believe that [rohypnol] is unadulterated, and consider it safe because it comes in bubble packaging, similar to that of gum," says Inspector Myla Parrent, a community liason officer with Brock's Campus Police. "It only seems safe and untampered."

Rohypnol is a hallucinogen drug, manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Hoffman-La Roche in Mexico. Despite being legal in over 60 countries for use as tranquilizer and surgical anesthetic, it is illegal to prescribe or purchase rohypnol in Canada and the United States. Anyone possessing rohypnol in North America can face criminal charges.

"There is no legal use for [rohypnol] in Canada," says Parrent.

Making rohypnol even more dangerous is its resemblance to over-the-counter pain killers, such as acetaminophen.

"It's very similar to the size, shape and color of Aspirin and available in one and two milligram tablets, and cost anywhere between $1 and $5 a tablet," says Parrent.

Rohypnol rapists, who can come in the guise of 'friends,' strangers or even bartenders, use the drug by dropping it into the victim's beverage. Whether in an alcoholic drink, pop, or water, rohypnol dissolves quickly. Once the pill has dissolved and the contaminated drink consumed, the drug will start to take effect after about 20 minutes. The effects can last anywhere from eight to 24 hours.

The symptoms of rohypnol drugging vary widely and can include "headaches, muscle pain, tension, restlessness, extreme anxiety, confusion, hallucinogen, confusion, shock, cardio vascular collapse," says Parrent.

Parrent also says that friends of rohypnol victims often notice a sudden change in the victims behaviour.

"Sometimes people get easily irritated, [they have] angry outbursts without very much provocation, and they can become very aggressive at times too."

Parrent says she is frequently asked how party-goers can prevent becoming a victim of rohypnol, particularly when they may have already been drinking, or when the bar is dark.

"You should never let your drink out of your sight, put your hand over the bottle opening, or your hands cupped over the glass, then you know its safe," says Parrent. "Watch the bartender open your drink, then you are pretty safe, as far as you are not taking your eyes off of him when they are making the drinks for you."

Since rohypnol causes memory loss, usually leaving victims with little or no memory of what took place, victims are often hesitant to come forward. With their memory foggy and their stories filled with holes, they tend to fear that no one will believe them. Parrent reassures victims that their complaint will be taken seriously and the police will work to fill in any memory gaps.

"They will be able to piece it together. Your family or friends will know what time you set out, somebody will remember you, whether you were at a bar or night club," says Parrent. "We can put it all together just like a jigsaw puzzle.

"Sexual assault is sexual activity which occurs when one person has not consented to the act," says Carolyn Brenden, Brock's sexual harassment advisor.

"Date rape is usually done by someone who the victim usually knows. Sexual assault is what happens during a date rape," adds Parrent.

While some may assume that being sexually assaulted by a stranger would be more emotionally distressing for the victim, than "date rape," the opposite is actually true. When the attacker is a person the victim knows and trusts, the victim did not think of themselves as being at risk and they are likely to let their guard down.

"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.