Parents need to be aware of the warning signs of victimization and seek help to address them. There are plenty of valuable resources that can assist a parent with these issues.
Date Rape Drugs BY THE CHILDREN’S COALITION FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA
“DATE RAPE,” WHICH IS ALSO CALLED “acquaintance rape” is defined as a sexual assault that occurs when the victim and the perpetrator know each other through some sort of accepted social contact. It often occurs after the perpetrator first drugs the victim. This can be done without the victim knowing by slipping a drug into the victim’s beverage. Many drugs that are used will leave a victim unresponsive or unable to recall events. These drugs can be odorless, colorless, and tasteless, making it difficult for the victim to know. According to a recent national survey, approximately 15% of women students on college campuses reported being victims of rape, and 12% reported being victims of attempted rape. These numbers only reflect the women who reported the incidents. Police estimate that only 30% of all rapes are reported. Charles Joseph “C. J.” Beck is a Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He attended Northeast Louisiana University where he earned a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. He currently practices at the First West Counseling Center in West Monroe, Louisiana. In addition to his 186 MAY 2019 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
work in mental health, he also works as a full-time police officer with the West Monroe Police Department. He serves as a Patrol Sergeant and oversees the DWI program for the department. Sergeant Beck is a certified Drug Recognition Expert and Instructor through the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He has been a speaker about “Identifying Drugged People” at Counseling Conferences, Pediatric Conferences and public schools. Q: What is the most important thing parents and youth need to know about date rape drugs? A: When teens think of rape, they might picture a stranger jumping out of a shadowy place and attacking them. But in reality about half of all teens who are raped know the person who attacked them. For these kind of assaults, “date rape” drugs are frequently used. It is important for parents to have an open discussion with their teens about this topic. The discussion can include identifying the effects of drugs, being cautious in private and social settings, and identifying the behaviors that increase the chances of being victimized.
Q: What are the date rate drugs and why are they so dangerous? A: At least one-half of all violent crimes involve alcohol consumption by the offender, the victim, or both. Alcohol is a Central Nervous System Depressant (CNS) leading a person to loosening of their inhibitions and judgement. Since alcohol is generally accepted socially, there is a greater risk that offenders will use alcohol to introduce “date rape” drugs to the victim. Drugs used in the crime include benzodiazepines such as Rohypnol (“Roofies”), Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate Acid (GHB), and Clonazepam. Many of these drugs are CNS Depressants. Since alcohol is also a CNS Depressant, the effects of adding drugs to alcohol are enhanced. Those effects include a lack of coordination, disoriented, sluggish, thick and slurred speech, gait ataxia and drowsiness. Imagine a person who is intoxicated by alcohol. There is an additive effect when other CNS Depressant drugs are introduced. The results can include complete vulnerability, lack of memory, unconscious, coma, and death. Q: Why is important for parents to talk to their children about date rape drugs? A: Although it may be difficult for parents to discuss sensitive issues with their teens, the issue of date rape drugs must be addressed. Parents need to be direct and open while discussing it. Parents should be familiar with various drugs and the associated street names, which are often used by youth. Reviewing websites on the topic is one way that can make it easier to discuss. Parents should also become aware what physical signs to look for. A valuable resource is the Drug Matrix, which can be found in any internet search. It outlines clinical and general indicators. Q: What is a good way to start the conversation? A: Some important facts about date rape drugs that should be shared with your child include: rape is not about sex, it is about power and control, aggression, and violence. Even if two people know each other well and are in an intimate relationship, that does not give a person the right to force a sexual act on another person. People are never “asking for it.” The fault is with the offender, not the
