Online dating often leads to offline dates, which have often ended up as successful relationships. However before you meet someone in person, take all the time you need to get well acquainted so there is hopefully nothing to worry about when you meet in person.

Sexual assault on a date is definitely not an everyday occurrence but it doesn’t hurt to stay safe. Take the time to really get to know a person and such incidents are even less likely to occur.

WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?

Any unwanted sexual attention or contact is usually defined as sexual assault. This includes and is not limited to inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, molestation and rape.

WHAT IS DATE RAPE?

Rape is the most common type of sexual assault. Date rape is when a date (or an acquaintance) forces you to have sex without consent. Sometimes this could be a stranger at a party but many times it could someone you know. Women are more likely to be victims of date rape. While women of any age can be a victim of date rape, it is found that ladies aged 15 – 24 are at a higher risk.

DATE RAPE DRUGS

You will often hear of date rape being associated with drugs. This is because several times the victim is drugged on a date and then raped. The drugs make the victim unable to resist assault and sometimes the victim even has no memory of being assaulted. The drugs and dangerous and very powerful and are usually slipped into a drink when the victim is unaware. As they usually have no particular taste or smell, it is even harder to spot a drink that has been drugged.

The three most common date rape drugs are Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine. Each of these drugs has several street names as well. For example Rohypnol is commonly known as R-2, Roach, Rophies; GHB is also known as Cherry Meth, Liquid Ecstasy, Easy Lay while Ketamine is sometimes known as Kit Kat, Cat Valium, K-Hole etc.

For more detailed information on date rape drugs, take a look at the Women’s Health website run by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

STAYING SAFE

Sexual assault and date rape are definitely not common occurrences when meeting an online date. Read and follow the safety advice for meetings that we have outlined so you are well prepared. In addition, some of the following tips will probably be useful too.

  • Always take the time to get well-acquainted with someone before you plan a meeting.
  • While on the date, always be very aware of your surroundings.
  • Keep an eye on your drink at all times.
  • Getting a girl drunk is a common ploy so watch how much alcohol you drink, if at all.
  • Be cautious during your first few meetings and stay away from dark and lonely places.

GETTING HELP

If you believe you may be a victim of sexual assault, the first thing you should do is contact the police immediately and report the crime, no matter how big or small. It is common for victims to blame themselves in a case of assault, however you must always remember that your attacker had absolutely no justification.

  • If you feel you cannot handle it alone, try talking to understanding family members or friends about how you feel.
  • If necessary, you can also speak with an experienced counselor who can help you deal with it.
  • If you have been raped, it is also a good idea to see a doctor who can test you for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

This Australian website that talks specifically about date rape offers some excellent tips on how to get help.

RESOURCES:
US Info
UK Info

Victim Support is a great website for information and help.

Australia Info
  • 1800-200-526 – The National Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Helpline
  • The Australian Institute of Family Studies has several publications on the website about sexual assault. The New South Wales government has a website dedicated to Date Rape and it contains lots of valuable information.
Male Victims

The About Date Rape website acknowledges that while male rape may not be as common, it does exist and has information for guys who may have been victims.