Annie was thrilled to pieces; she was going to meet Paul whom she had met through some common friends a couple of days back. Paul was the kind of guy most women would swoon, typical Greek features, blonde hair and a fabulous body that made other men feel insecure. 

Annie definitely did not have glamorous looks, but there was something about her that made everyone sit up and notice.   She considered herself fortunate when Paul bestowed her his time and made her his special girl. Today was when they were going to ‘Cheers’, the Bull and Finch Pub at Beacon Street.  Sharp at 8.00 PM, her door bell pealed and sure enough there was Paul in his light blue faded jeans, a black sweater on his tee with a seductive smile. Annie’s defenses fell almost immediately as she saw him and happily allowed him to escort her to the Pub. 

At the Pub Paul ordered Annie’s favourite Tequila and he ordered some beer for himself.  Halfway through Annie excused herself to go to the restroom.  Then she came back and resumed drinking. 

The next thing Annie remembered was waking up at an unknown place.  She was feeling groggy and try as she might she just could not fathom how she reached this place.  Her clothes were in a state of disarray. She felt her whole body ache and there was no sign of Paul.  She picked herself slowly, hailed a cab and went to her residence.  In the privacy of her bathroom, she examined herself and found bite marks in a couple of places on her body.  That was when she realized that she was raped. 

This is a classic case of a “Date rape”.  Usually when people think of rape, they might think that the perpetrators are strangers, but unfortunately this is not so.  Just as much as one is vulnerable of being raped by a total stranger, one can be raped by a known acquaintance, a boy friend or anyone who may have known you.   This does not necessarily imply that all dates or acquaintances may lead to a rape.  But then the truth is that it may happen when you least expect it.

In dictionary terms, Date rape is one when there is forced sex between two people.  No one has the right to force another person to a sexual act without his or her will. Rape involves aggression and violence and has nothing to do with sex or love.

Alcohol and Drugs:

Alcohol is usually involved in ‘Date Rapes’.  It lowers one’s defenses and loosens inhibitions.  Couple this with drugs and it turns out to be a double whammy.  Rohypnol or ‘roach or roofies’ is a powerful sedative and can intoxicate the person in less than 10mts.   This is a colourless, odourless and tasteless drug and can be added to any drink to bring intoxication.  The other maligned drug is ‘Ketamine’ or “Special K” and this is available in either liquid or powder form and can be slipped into any drink easily.  These drugs are dangerous and can even kill in extreme cases.

Prevention and Protection:

Try and order your own drinks and watch it being made.  Never drink an unattended drink even if it is your own, order a fresh one.  Never accept drinks from strangers.  Do not stay with people who make you feel uneasy and queasy.  Follow your gut instincts and move away from the situation and people.  It is important to be sober and be aware of your surroundings.  Ensure that you are not guilty of rape incase your partner is not sober.  Do not allow yourself to be pressurized by your peers incase you do not want to do something that you are not comfortable with.  Build your self-confidence and learn a martial art to defend yourself incase required.  Finally do not be afraid to seek help.

Seeking Help:

In many instances even after taking many precautions, a date rape can still happen.  Then in which case rush to a hospital and take medical aid.  Call a friend or family immediately, file a police complaint, if you are in a frame of mind where you can write down the details then do.  It can help nab the offender. Talk to a counselor and ask questions. 

Talking about something as personal as rape can always be traumatic, but talking about it to a counselor or mental health professional can always give the emotional attention that one craves for at that moment.  This will also give it the much-required impetus for the healing process to begin.