Sexual Assault & Date Rape Drugs

Guys:

1. If you get drunk or stoned, do not have sex.
   
   • Your decision making abilities are affected.
   • You may not be able to control your impulses.
   • Your aggression level may rise.
2. Never force a woman to have sex.
   
   • Even if she said yes and then changed her mind.
   • Even is she has slept with you or your friends before.
   • Even if you think that's what she wants.
3. Do not expect to have sex as a payback for a pleasant evening.
   
   • Do not assume that she will have sex with you if you want it.
   • Discuss what she wants. Speak up if you feel you are getting a double message.
4. Do not forget - if the woman is drunk, she is not legally capable of giving consent and sex without consent can be judged as sexual assault.

Girls:

Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and interferes with decision making which makes for some potentially dangerous sexual situations. You could be the victim of sexual assault and you could be left with an STD. That's why you need to have a plan to prevent yourself from getting into sexual jeopardy when you drink.

• Avoid drinking too much. Alcohol impairs your ability to make smart choices. If you go out to a bar with friends, use the "buddy system" - make sure you look after each other and do not let one of your "buddies" leave without you or leave with someone they don't know well.
• Talk to your date beforehand to make sure you are on the same page about where the night is going.
• Do not go back to a guy's room or invite him into yours if you are drunk. You may regret what you did in the morning.
• Trust your gut feeling. If you feel at all uncomfortable, get out of the situation.
• When going on a date with someone new, make sure to tell a friend what your plans are so that someone knows where you will be.

If you have been sexually assaulted:

If you are injured or think you've been drugged, or if you want evidence collected in case you decide to press charges, go to the Fleurimont hospital without delay. That is where there is a designated centre for victims of sexual assault.

Being examined there and having evidence collected does not mean you have to press charges. All evidence is preserved and any clothing which could be used as evidence is locked up for at least fourteen days to allow you time to decide what to do. Do not bathe or shower, wash your hands or change your clothes before going.

Make sure you have a friend, an RA or a staff member go with you. The hospital should be notified by calling 346-1110 ext: 15513. This is the triage nurse in the Emergency Department. They will call the Sexual assault team which consists of a female doctor and specially trained nurses. If you think you have been drugged, you must obtain a sample of urine (in any clean container) and bring it to the hospital. Date rape drugs only remain in your system for 12 - 24 hours.

If you don't need medical attention, you don't want to be examined at the hospital and you are sure you don't want to press charges, you can wait until morning and go to Health Services. You may need emergency contraception or STI testing. A nurse, doctor or counsellor can also offer emotional support at Health Services or Counselling.

Other resources in the community:

CALACS:  Centre against violence and sexual assault. Phone #: 563-9999. To make an appointment to talk to their English speaking counsellor Jo Anne Anderson, call 563-9999 or 564-6626.

• It is important to talk to someone about the assault. If you try to ignore it, it may take you longer to deal with the emotional trauma that may result.

Friends of someone who has been assaulted should:

• Listen to her
• Believe her
• Reassure her that it's not her fault
• Respect her privacy
• Do not try to make decisions for her
• Provide as much support as needed.

This is a very short summary of what to do after a sexual assault.

More information is available at Health Services and we are available to help anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault.

Bishop's policy on Sexual Harassment can be viewed in the University Policies section.

Known commonly as "Roofies" or liquid ecstacy, can be slipped into the drinks of unsuspecting young women at bars or parties. They can cause:

• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Loss of inhibitions
• Memory blackouts
• Loss of consciousness.

Because they may cause you to pass out, you become an easy target for sexual assault. Both drugs are odorless, tasteless and colorless (some may give a bluish tinge to a clear drink) and they produce the above effects within 30 - 60 minutes.

Tips to Protect Yourself:

• Do not leave your drink unattended.
• Do not accept an open drink from anyone.
• Avoid drinks from a punch bowl or common source.
• Make a pact with your friends to watch out for each other.
• Limit your alcohol consumption so you are more alert to strangers around you.

If You Think You've Been Drugged:

Get to a safe place immediately with a friend or call someone to come and pick you up.

If you are on campus, go to Safe Haven. Contact Security at 2711. Have them search where the party took place for glasses or other evidence.

Save a urine sample in a clean container to identify the drug if you need to go to the hospital. A urine sample must be tested within 12 - 24 hours. The sooner after the drug is ingested, the more accurate the test is. If you consumed only a small amount of alcohol (1 or 2 drinks), and you feel extremely intoxicated, insist on a drug test when you get to the hospital.