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You may have heard the term "date rape drugs" to refer to substances that can aid a perpetrator in committing sexual assault. Drug - <br />facilitated sexual assault can happen to anyone, by anyone, whether the perpetrator is a date, a stranger, or someone you've known for a <br />while. <br />Now does a perpetrator use drugs and alcohol? <br />Drug -facilitated sexual assault occurs in two ways: when the perpetrator takes advantage of a victim's voluntary use of drugs or alcohol or <br />when the perpetrator intentionally forces a victim to consume drugs without their knowledge. <br />Some victims blame themselves for drinking too much at a party or putting themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. It's important to <br />remember that if a sexual assault occurs under these circumstances, it is still not your fault. The blame falls on the perpetrator who took <br />advantage of you. <br />A perpetrator may intentionally drug a victim, resulting in a situation where it is easy to manipulate the circumstances and commit an as- <br />sault. Perpetrators use a variety of substances to incapacitate a victim. <br />Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in drug -facilitated sexual assault. <br />Prescription drugs like sleep aids, anxiety medication, muscle relaxers, and tranquilizers may also be used by perpetrators. <br />Street drugs, like GHB, rohypnol, ecstasy, and ketamine can be added to drinks without changing the color, flavor, or odor <br />of the beverage. <br />How will know ifl've been drugged? <br />Depending on the substance, the initial effects of a drug can go unnoticed or become apparent very quickly. Being familiar with the warn- <br />ing signs can help alert you to the possibility of drugs in your system. If you notice any of the following warning signs in yourself or some- <br />one you know, reach out to someone you trust immediately. If you notice these symptoms in another person, you can take steps to keep <br />that person safe: <br />Nausea. <br />Loss of bowel or bladder control. <br />Difficulty breathing. <br />Feeling drunk when you haven't consumed any alcohol or very limited amounts. <br />Sudden increase in dizziness, disorientation, or blurred vision. <br />Sudden body temperature change that could be signaled by sweating or chattering teeth. <br />Waking up with no memory, or missing large portions of memories. <br />RISK EDUCATON AND PERSONAL PROTECTION <br />It is important to under the Risks associated with certain behaviors as they related to Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment both on and <br />off campus. The following should be considered in guarding against potential incidences of Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment: <br />Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not venture into unknown or unsafe areas. <br />Inform friends or family of your plans and make a point to check -in with them on a regular basis. <br />Avoid consuming any amount of alcohol which would impair your faculties orjudgment. <br />Do not accept an open container of food or drink. <br />• If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any situation, do not be afraid to contact the School Manager or local law enforce- <br />ment for help. <br />Consider keeping a noise making device such as a whistle or horn with you at all times to alert others in case you are in <br />distress. <br />Contact local law enforcement or the women's crisis center for additional information on steps you can take to guard <br />against Sexual Violence or Sexual Harassment. <br />www.roadmaster.com 17 <br />