Statistics show one out of every four women over the age of 14 will be sexually assaulted at least once in her lifetime.

• Over 70% of rapes are committed by someone with whom the victim is acquainted.
• 40% of victims have known their attacker less than 24 hours.
• 9 out of 10 rapes are never reported, allowing a rapist to rape again.
• In at least 76% of the cases, the rape survivor will be of the same race and class as their attackers.
• Rape is a crime of power, an attempt to hurt and humiliate. It is not “uncontrollable passion.”
• Rape can happen to anyone, from small children to grandparents, males and females.
• Rape can occur in public or your own home, day or night.
• Many rapists target people they feel will not tell, such as children or teens that may have mistakenly placed themselves in a risky situation such as using alcohol or drugs.

If you or someone you know has been raped or needs help dealing with a prior rape, please call us at (760) 739-2150.

Statistics show that over 70% of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows. Sometimes the victim has only met the rapist casually. Other times the rapist is well known to the victim. Most of these rapes occur in the victim’s own home or the home of a friend or relative. These relationships may make it more difficult for the victim to report the crime. However, this fact makes it more critical to report these assaults to prevent further assaults to yourself or more importantly, to others.

• Call 911
• Tell a cop
• Tell a friend
• Telephone the rape crisis center

No person asks for or deserves to be sexually assaulted. But, being aware of the great incidence of acquaintance rape can, hopefully, help us prevent being a victim.

40% of victims are assaulted by a brief encounter assailant (A suspect who knew the victim less than 24 hours) and report using alcohol or drugs prior to the assault. Predatory suspects understand the value of alcohol and drugs. Avoid occasions that will leave you alone and vulnerable.

The most important concern is your survival. No one can tell you if you should resist or submit. The decision you make at the moment IS the right one.

• Understand this! Any situation with heavy drinking/parting is placing you in a HIGH RISK situation.
• Don’t drink anything out of a punch bowl.
• Monitor the behavior of friends who seem intoxicated.
• Never accept a drink (even soda or water) from someone you do not know or trust.
• If you hear someone “kidding” about date rape drugs, pay attention. That should be a warning to leave the party or that individual.
• If you suspect that you have been drugged and/or raped, call the police department or the Rape Crisis Hotline. New laws have been put into effect the Federal Government to address the date rape drug issue.

Date Rape Drugs

• There has been a great increase in the use of date rape drugs. If a rapist cannot coerce his victim by offering alcohol or street drugs, he may choose to use date rape drugs to weaken his victim prior to attack.
• Date rape drugs can be placed onto the surfaces of empty glasses so that when a drink is added, the date rape drug is administered to the victim. You can watch the drink from the minute it’s delivered to prevent the possibility of a date rape drug, but what you may not know is that the drug is already in the drink.
• Date rate drugs can be put into soft drinks, water, lemonade and many other non-alcoholic drinks.
• Alcohol can also be considered a date rape drug as it causes the victim to loose inhibitions and make errors in judgment.
• Other than alcohol, the most popular date rape drugs are Ketamine Hydrochloride (Special K, K, Vitamin K, Ket, Kitty Dope), Rohypnol (Roofies, Rape, Ruffies, R2, Ruffles, Roche, Forget Pill), and Gama Hydroxy Butycate (GHB, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Scoop, Easy Lay).
• Rohypnol and GHB render the victim unconscious. Under the influence of ketamine, however, the victim appears to be awake and “enjoying” the attack, making it difficult to get convictions when there are witnesses.
• Because chemical analysis may be important as evidence, the earlier the crime is reported, the better the evidence.
• Victims of date rape drugs report that when they wake up, they have either no memory of events after a certain point in time or they have “mosaic” memory, with bits and pieces of images being remembered.

If you think you have been a victim of date rape drugs:

Remember, you are not alone. Call 911; they will help you.

1. Get away from your attacker.
2. Get to a safe place.
3. Seek help immediately.

Your survival is your first priority. Get away from your attacker as soon as you are able.

Seek help immediately. Call the police – dial 911. Call you local rape crisis center to talk with an advocate who can guide you through the process of reporting or provide crisis counseling even if you do not choose to report.

When possible, follow this procedure:

• DO NOT shower or bathe
• DO NOT eat or drink anything
• DO NOT brush your teeth
• DO NOT douche
• DO NOT change your clothing or clean up in any way until you speak with the police and go to the hospital

Doing any of the above could destroy important physical evidence.

However, even if you have showered, changed or eaten, you should call SART at 760.739.2150. You have nothing to feel guilty about or ashamed of. You were assaulted. It is not your fault!

You will be treated with dignity and supported by a team of caring professionals including a medical team support by physicians. You will receive the protection of law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office. You will have the opportunity to be counseled by rape advocate. You can also receive crisis counseling and on-going support if you choose.

Law Enforcement

Our policy and sheriffs are trained to investigate sexual assault. BUT…they cannot apprehend perpetrators if victims of rape do not report. After the officer makes sure that you are safe, they will take you to the nearest hospital that has a rape crisis center.

The SART Nurse

This nurse has been specifically trained to conduct an exam that is admissible in court. They are also trained to assist in the medical care you may need after a sexual assault.

The Rape Crisis Counselor/Advocate

The advocate is a person who has been trained according to rules set by the office of California Justice Department and is there to help you through the process and make sure that you are given information and support to help you understand the choices available to you.

The District Attorney

After reviewing the report, the DA will send it back to the police department for further investigation or make a decision as to whether or not they will pursue the case.

Outside the Home

• Be alert to your surroundings as well as the people around you, especially if you are alone or if it is after dark.
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend.
• Stay in areas with good lighting and ask for an escort to walk you to your car.
• Make eye contact if someone approaches you. Rapists often look for someone who appears to be weak or vulnerable. Unfortunately, if an attack still occurs, this may help to identify your assailant later.
• Walk on the side of the street facing traffic.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and hallways where rapists can hide.
• If you think you are being followed, walk quickly to an area where there are people and lights. If a car appears to be following you while walking, turn and walk in the opposite direction or on the other side of the street.
• If you feel you are in danger, scram and run. Yell “FIRE” or break a window to attract attention.
• Whenever possible, don’t carry a purse or backpack.

While at Home

• Install effective locks on all doors and windows and use them at all times.
• Never open your door without knowing who is on the other side. Install a peephole.
• If someone calls or comes to your door, don’t admit that you are alone.
• If you come home and find a door or window open, or signs of forced entry, don’t go in. go to the nearest phone and call the police.
• Install a motion-triggered light by your front door to prevent you from having to fumble with you keys to try to get into your house. Without light to ensure a quick and sure entry into your home, you are vulnerable to attack.

In Your Car

• Don’t leave you mail or magazines with the address visible on the seat of your car.
• Lock you car doors as soon as you get in.
• Always park in well-lit areas.
• Have your car keys securely in your hand and ready to open your car door.
• Make sure the dome light in your car is operating.
• Always check the back seat of your car, or any other hidden areas before getting into your vehicle.
• If you think you are being followed while driving, go immediately to a public place or police station, or, if you have a cellular telephone, call 911.
• If your car breaks down, keep the doors locked and stay inside (if it is safe to do so based on traffic conditions). If someone stops to help, roll down you window slightly and ask them to call the police or AAA.
• Don’t park next to a van with a sliding door if the sliding door opens up next your car.

Do you have questions about Forensic Health Services at Palomar Health in North San Diego County?  Visit Our Services for more information, Contact Us or Find our Location(s).