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Increasing in outrageous numbers since the mid-80’s, the occurrences of date rape have gone overlooked by many due to common misconceptions. These occurrences have caused psychological changes in those who are subjected to or hear about them. The following is the story of a college sophomore and her frightening experience with date rape. “How about another drink?” Trevor asked. “Sure,” replied Jenna. “Be right back with it,” Trevor said. As she sipped the drink Trevor gave her, Jenna chatted happily and was surprised when she started feeling dizzy and drunk. This was only her second beer, and she usually didn’t feel this way at all. “Are you OK?” Trevor asked. “You look a bit shaky.” Jenna held her head in her hands. “No…. I don’t feel well. I think I’d better go home.” “Why don’t I give you a ride?” Trevor suggested. “OK, thanks,” Jenna said. By the time they reached Jenna’s house, she could barely stand up. Trevor carried her inside and put her on her bed. Then she passed out and woke up eight hours later feeling nauseated and shaky. Jenna was surprised to find her clothes on the floor. She also ached all over, as if someone had hit her repeatedly. She tried desperately to remember what had happened, but her last memory was of Trevor driving her home from the party. “Oh no, he must have raped me!” she whispered. “But how can I prove it? I don’t remember anything” (Abramovitz 18). Personally, I do not know of anyone who has gone through date rape, but I do consider it a problem in our society as I have heard stories similar to Jenna’s. Like most problems, I believe that if we do not start trying to resolve it, the number of date rapes will keep increasing. We have to stop it from getting to the point where people treat it as something that occurs in everyday life. This is not a subject to be taken lightly. I believe we need to start targeting those who are susceptible to date rape the most, young adults. Date rape and other forms of sexual aggression appear to be far too common among college students. Through programs that include such ideas as videos and speakers, I believe that we can make these young adults aware of the danger signs of date rape and how they can avoid/respond to those situations. The general consensus of Cynthia Lanier in her evaluation of an intervention to change attitudes toward date rape was that in order to start helping those who have been assaulted, we need to be open about their situation. Jenna’s situation is not uncommon. Trevor put what is referred to as a ‘date rape drug’ in her drink. The small tablet dissolved quickly in the drink, leaving no taste, odor, or color. This is one technique that rapists use when sexually assaulting their victims. In as little as 12 hours, most of these drugs can leave your system and become undetectable.
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