H.I.T. Self Defense

Not all predators are strangers: 75% of all sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. For high school and college age women those numbers are closer to 90%. Since we are in Spring Break time, I really want to focus on some common variables that are an impetus to Date Rape (or Acquaintance Rape). The #1 Date Rape drug on the scene? Alcohol. When individuals don’t drink responsibly they open themselves up to sexual assault. I think we’ve all seen enough Spring Break programs to understand that responsible drinking is not really the top priority. I offer this suggestion - use the buddy system. You can alternate who takes the role of sober party/bar goer, but make sure someone is watching your back. Everyone needs to get home or back to the hotel safely.

Secondary Date Rape Substances

Not too long ago Rohypnol (’Roofies’) was one of the most common drugs associated with Date Rape. This drug is part of the Benzodiazepine family (powerful sedatives). ‘Roofies’ come in pill form and can dissolve into a drink fairly easily. Recently, with regulation, Rohypnol is harder to find on the streets (although still available - and imported across the border from Mexico). The effects of Rohypnol will in most cases incapacitate the victim and prevent them from resisting a sexual assault. The drug also has an amnesiac effect that inhibits the individual from remembering events while on the drug.

The newest agent on the scene is GHB. GHB comes in liquid form and can be dispensed from an eye dropper. The effects of GHB are very close to extreme alcohol intoxication. The drug will radically lower inhibitions and provide a predator with what I like to call an ‘enabler’ that opens the door to a sexual assault.

A couple of suggestions that may help prevent dosing: watch your drinks (don’t leave drinks unattended). Stick with your own drink - if someone you just met offers you their drink (”you’ve got to try this!”), kindly decline or order one for yourself. Be extra careful in foreign countries (i.e. Mexico) where Rohypnol and GHB might be more readily available. If you can, keep an eye on the ‘pour’. I know this is not always easy in a packed bar - but watch the bartender mix your drink. Finally, as I mentioned above, utilize the buddy system.

If you feel like you’ve been dosed - find a friend (your designated sober party/bar goer) and/or get to a place of safety. As an example, if you’ve only had one drink, but find yourself fairly wasted, there might be a chance that someone slipped something into your drink.

By all means, have fun and let loose. Enjoy your vacation. But also be responsible for your own safety. Make sure you or someone in your party has your back. I ran this clip a month ago about some Date Rape prevention tips from the HIT DVD. This is probably an apropos time to post the clip again. Have fun and have a safe Spring Break.

Visit the Site/Get the DVD: www.hitselfdefense.com