Date Rape: The Hidden Epidemic


Campus Times
October 17, 1997


photo illustration by Ryan Sones

The illegal drug Rohypnol, also known as "roofies," "roachies" and "la rocha" on the street, creates a deep sleep that permits little or no memory while under its influence. The drug, often implicated in date rape, is available only on the black market or from outside of the American borders.

by Katrina Hall
Staff Writer

Yesterday, Brenda Randall went to a party with Jacob Candeen. They danced, drank a few beers, made advances toward each other and had a fun-filled night.

By the time the two left the party, they were tipsy. On the way to taking Brenda home, Jacob pulled over. He started touching Brenda and before she knew it, they were at it. Jacob tore off her shirt and was reaching up her skirt when she told him "No!" He paid her command no mind so she started to protest. He tells her she knows she wants it and fights her to get what he wants. She puts up a struggle to stop him but fails, and is raped in the meantime.

But no one ever knew what happened to Brenda because she failed to report it to the police or anyone who could help her.

In the meantime, Jacob walks around free, feeling like a man.

Though this story is fictional, its effects are real. Eighty-five percent of all rapes on college campuses are date or acquaintance rape, with the risk being four times higher for women 16-24 than any other age group.

As a result, any college that receives federal student aid, under the Higher Education Act amendments of 1992, is required to have a program to combat date rape.

These colleges must also provide educational programs promoting "student awareness of rape, date or acquaintance rape and other sex offenses."

Collecting annual statistics on sex offenses, distributing them to current students and establishing disciplinary procedures for dealing with sex offenses are required from the schools.

The rape statistics for female college students reported having been a victim of rape or attempted rape during the 1996 year is one-in-six. At least 84 percent of the victims knew their attackers.

In a national statistic among 2,400 colleges participating in the reporting period mandated by the new law, approximately 1,000 rapes were reported, most of them date or acquaintance rape.

The statistics are probably higher because many times, rapes go unreported. It has been estimated that 42 percent of college women who are raped tell no one about their assault. Because of this, nearly one-third of college men said they were likely to have sex with an unwilling partner if they thought they could get away with it.

Before the Higher Education Act amendments were signed into law, in order for a date rape, or any other type of rape, to be taken seriously, the victim had to prove her lack of consent by her physical appearance. Otherwise, the courts said the testimony of rape victims could not be trusted, for they might be lying to cover up a consensual affair or to blackmail a man.

Rape statistics are broken into two categories by the FBI: forcible and non-forcible sex offenses. Forcible sex is considered any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly or against that person's will. Non-forcible sex covers incest and statutory rape.

Though the University of La Verne yearly rape count is currently zero for 1997, the city of La Verne has been accounted for one case of rape, including date and attempted rape, in the 2600 block of Grove within the last 12 months.

"Just because you are in a safe city like La Verne does not mean to let your guards down," said the La Verne Police Department Watch Commander Darryl Seuby.

"Be cautious of where you go on dates," said Chuck Ochoa, City of La Verne crime prevention specialist. "Don't go to his house or somewhere you can't escape."

"Actually, date rape does happen on the ULV campus, but it's just not reported," said Cindy Denne, director of health services. "Victims often feel responsible and guilty for what happened. They are afraid they will be the one singled out."

The University tries to take precautionary measures. The ULV Health Center provides written resource material for date rape prevention.

"We are having the Santa Monica Date Rape Prevention come here some time next month for the residence halls and commuters," said Julie Thurman, housing coordinator. "It is open to housing students as well as commuters."

"This year, we hope to work close with the residential assistants to increase the awareness on date rape," said John Lentz, director of campus safety and transportation. "If you are a resident, be careful inviting anyone to the residence hall."

The ULV Campus Safety officers provide escort services for those who feel uncomfortable walking to their car alone or to the dorm. If a student is on campus at the time, the extension to dial is #6666, off campus is 596-3549.

If anything does happen, according to Seuby, the victim should contact the police immediately.

"It's imperative that the victim don't clean up or shower, for investigation purposes," he said.

Seuby said there are female officers available if the victim is uncomfortable with a male officer.

"If they wait for a couple of days it makes it difficult to investigate," said Seuby. "If evidence is not there, it's hard to get."

For those who are not comfortable going straight to the police, according to Denne, the other option would be to go to a safe place, call someone they trust, then seek medical help.

"We [the ULV Health Center] are not equipped to handle women who are raped to do the screening and testing, but we would provide the support the victim needs and any initial medical testing," said Denne.

"Double dating or going to a place where there is a lot of people is a good idea," said Ochoa.

"Always keep your eyes open and trust your instincts," said Seuby.

"Be very clear about your limitations and use common sense," said Lentz. "Also, be adamant in your refusal."

Sexual Assault

Rape is defined as two persons engaged in an act of sexual intercourse that is against the will of one of the persons, according to the ULV Security Annual Report pamphlet. If an individual is incapable of giving consent during sexual intercourse, it is also rape.

Sexual assault is defined as sexual conduct perpetrated against an individual against his or her will.

"Our last reported date rape was two years ago," said Dr. Loretta Rahmani, dean of student affairs.

Any person who has been in an incident of sexual assault can report it to any ULV faculty or staff member on campus, as they are to take precautionary actions.

"We walk them through the courses of action and make sure they are receiving medical and psychological help," said Dr. Rahmani.

"We take our report and submit it to the director of housing or associate dean of student affairs, and they go through a process internally through a judicial review board," said John Lentz, director of campus safety and transportation. "They hear both sides of the story and decide on a minor sanction to dismissal from the University."

Dr. Rahmani directs all cases in which the complainant chooses to proceed. The complainant and the accused have the right to a fair, closed formal hearing.

"The judicial review is a closed hearing because it is an educational record of the victim and the accused," said Dr. Rahmani.

"The victim can submit their case in writing instead of confronting the suspect at the judicial board review," said Lentz. "It becomes less dramatic."

"When a student goes through a judicial review both the victim and the accused have rights," said Dr. Rahmani. "At the hearing, the victim can bring a supporter to the hearing and the board hears the victim's and the accused's perceptions."

Those who violate ULV's policy on sexual assault will be subject to various sanctions including, but not limited to, the following: cancellation of their housing contract, suspension or dismissal from ULV. Both the accused and the accuser will be informed of any campus disciplinary procedure.

The University will make changes in a victim's academic and living situation in order to reduce the trauma of the incident, if it is possible.

ULV officials encourage any person who believes he or she has been victimized by such acts to report the incident. He or she will be supported in a confidential manner.

"The victim is allowed to know the results of the hearing," said Dr. Rahmani.

First degree sexual assault is defined as penetration of any object into the victim's mouth, vagina or anus, which occurs when there is force or coercion, or mental or physical inability on the victim's part to communicate unwillingness to engage in an act.

The Drugs

Another scare for potential date rape victims is a drug called Rohypnol, also known as a "roofies." It has been nicknamed the "date rape drug." It is a sedative that comes in a small white pill and its effects include memory loss of any events that occur within several hours after taking the pill.

The drug, illegal in the United States, has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and is most prevalent in Florida, Texas and California. But its use is increasing all across the nation. Conviction for possession of Rohypnol can bring up to three years in prison.

The pills become more lethal when mixed with alcohol.

"The ambiguity comes in when the victim cannot tell the person their intentions when under the influence," said Cindy Denne, director of health services.

This drug is 10 times more potent than valium, a depressant drug. It produces profound sedation, short term memory loss, fatigue, slurred speech, muscle weakness, drowsiness and amnesia.

Similar to a "roofie" is another drug called gamma hydroxybutylate (GHB), which comes in clear liquid or powder form. This drug creates a deep sedation and can cause death when mixed with alcohol. Its effects are headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and disorientation.

The law provides up to 20 years in prison for those committing a crime by distributing the controlled substance without that person' knowledge.

Ways to avoid being drugged:

Project Sister

Project Sister is a prevention program originally formed in 1972 to respond against violence and sexual assault. It services over 25,000 people per year, with 10 to 15 percent being males.

According to members of Project Sister, survivors usually blame his or herself for the attack. "There is never an invitation for being raped," said Ann Schley, outreach education coordinator for Project Sister. "It's the behavior of the perpetrator who causes it."

This program offers one-on-one counseling to reduce trauma, sets up programs for prevention and self protection. Project Sister cams to ULV last Wednesday to present its annual prevention program.

The Housing and Residential Life program assistants organized the event, entitled "Are You Afraid of the Dark?".

"Many rapes are acts of control and power. The rapist wants to hurt the victim," said PA Kenia Magallanes, the hostess for the event.

Several students came and participated by expressing their feelings and thoughts on the program's theme.

Sophomore Rick Garcia said, "Rape is the most deplorable act one can do to another. It violates a person's right to life and happiness by taking their security away."

Rape does not only happen to women, but men as well. The age range for known rape victims is from children 4 months old to senior citizens, according to Kristin Hall, rape specialist for Project Sister and guest speaker at the program.

"There is different ways of committing a rape," said Hall.

Rohypnol, also known as Roofies, is a common drug that is used to drug the victim. This drug is commonly used in clubs or social scenes that involve alcoholic beverages.

Another time victims get attacked is when they are alone.

Hall said, "Have a buddy system, look out for each other."

According to Hall, people should try to go out at least with one other person and make sure where one another is at at all times.

Junior Maisha Pryor said, "I think the most important thing a rape victim should do is tell someone."

"Let survivors make their own decision," said Hall.

Hall said that it is very important to support the victim in every possible way but it is up to the victim if she wants to report it or not. It is not recommended for anyone to report a friend's rape.

Other topics discussed were tips on avoiding date rape, the risks of contracting a sexually transmitted diseases, other types of drugs used, ways of supporting a victim of rape and the facts about rape.

Hall very warmly concluded the night and said, "The rapist is the only who can prevent a rape from happening."

Project Sister offers its services free and is located at 2001 N. Garey Ave. in Pomona. The 24-hour hotline number is (909) 626-4357.

Elizabeth Rodarte also contributed to this story.

National Collegiate Date and Acquaintance Rape Statistics for 1996

ULV Annual Security Report to the Campus for 1996-97

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