Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault: Jessica
Sexual assault includes any type of sexual activity to which an individual does not agree. Because of the effects of some drugs, commonly called date rape drugs, victims may be physically helpless, unable to refuse, or even unable to remember what happened.
Jessica, a 16-year-old high school sophomore, expresses concern to the school nurse practitioner that she knows someone who might have had sex “without knowing it.”
How can the nurse practitioner answer these common questions?
Reflective Questions
- What are date rape drugs and how can a person be unaware that such a drug has been ingested?
- What can you do to protect yourself?
- What do you do if you think you have been sexually assaulted?
- What can you do when someone you care about has been sexually assaulted?
- What role does a nurse practitioner play in the care of sexually assaulted patients, particularly in the adolescent age group
- Date rape drugs are substances that are used to incapacitate a person in order to facilitate sexual assault. These drugs are often added to drinks without the person’s knowledge, making it difficult for them to be aware that they have been ingested. Some common date rape drugs include Rohypnol (roofies), GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid), and ketamine. These drugs can cause sedation, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and impaired judgment, making it easier for perpetrators to take advantage of their victims.
- There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from drug-facilitated sexual assault:
- Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
- Watch your drink being poured and open it yourself.
- Avoid sharing drinks with others.
- Stay in the company of trusted friends who can look out for each other.
- Trust your instincts and remove yourself from situations that feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
- If you suspect that someone may have tampered with your drink or if you start feeling unusually intoxicated, seek help immediately from a trusted friend, authority figure, or medical professional.
- If you believe you have been sexually assaulted, it is important to prioritize your safety and well-being. Here are some steps you can take:
- Find a safe environment: Get to a place where you feel secure and remove yourself from immediate danger.
- Preserve evidence: Try not to shower, change clothes, or clean up before seeking medical help, as it may be important for evidence collection.
- Seek medical attention: Go to a hospital or healthcare facility as soon as possible, even if you don’t have any visible injuries. A healthcare professional can assess your physical and emotional well-being, provide necessary medical treatment, and collect evidence if appropriate.
- Contact support services: Reach out to a helpline, sexual assault support organization, or counselor who can offer guidance, support, and resources.
- If someone you care about has been sexually assaulted, it is crucial to be supportive and empathetic. Here’s what you can do to help:
- Believe and validate their experience: Listen without judgment and let them know that you believe them.
- Encourage them to seek medical help: Offer to accompany them to a hospital or healthcare facility and reassure them that seeking medical attention is important.
- Respect their choices: Allow them to make decisions about their own healing process and offer support in whatever way they feel comfortable.
- Provide resources: Offer information about support services, helplines, or counseling options that can assist them in their recovery.
- Be patient and understanding: Understand that healing takes time, and be there to support them throughout the process.
- Nurse practitioners play a crucial role in the care of sexually assaulted patients, particularly in the adolescent age group. Some key responsibilities include:
- Providing medical care: Nurse practitioners can assess and treat any physical injuries, provide preventive measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and offer emergency contraception if appropriate.
- Collecting forensic evidence: In cases where the patient decides to report the assault to the authorities, nurse practitioners can assist in collecting evidence such as swabs, photographs, and documentation.
- Offering emotional support: Nurse practitioners can create a safe and supportive environment for patients to share their experiences and emotions. They can also provide information about counseling services and support groups.
- Referring to specialized care: Nurse practitioners can refer patients to other healthcare providers, such as psychologists, social workers, or counselors, who specialize in trauma and sexual assault support.
- Advocacy and education: Nurse practitioners can advocate for patients’ rights, raise awareness about sexual assault prevention, and provide education on consent, healthy relationships, and personal safety.