What Happens When Someone Takes Rohypnol?

Rohypnol has physiological effects similar to Valium (diazepam), but is approximately ten times more potent.

Intoxication is generally associated with impaired judgment and motor skills. The drug has no taste or odor, so those given it don’t realize what is happening. About ten minutes after ingesting the drug, a woman may feel dizzy and disoriented, simultaneously too hot and too cold, and/or nauseated. She may experience difficulty speaking and moving, and then pass out. Effects peak within two hours, and can persist for up to eight hours. Such victims have no memories of what happened while under the drug’s influence.

The combination of alcohol and Rohypnol is particularly hazardous; together, their effects on memory and judgment are greater than those experienced when taking one alone. It is commonly reported that people who become intoxicated on a combination of alcohol and Rohypnol have “blackouts” lasting 8 to 24 hours following ingestion. Losing social inhibitions is another widely reported effect of Rohypnol, when taken alone or in combination with alcohol.

What Are the Side Effects?

Adverse effects of Rohypnol use include decreased blood pressure, memory impairment, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness, confusion, gastrointestinal disturbances and urinary retention.

Who Uses Rohypnol and How?

Rohypnol use has been reported on every inhabited continent. It is often used in conjunction with other drugs and is usually ingested orally, though it can be snorted.

It is largely used by adults, although teen use of Rohypnol is increasing. The most common use among teenagers and young adults is as an alcohol extender — an attempt to create a dramatic “high,” most often in combination with beer — or as a drug to incapacitate a victim before a sexual assault. The drug’s low cost (sold for less than $5 per tablet on the black market) makes it more accessible. But the rise in usage in this age group can also be tied to common misconceptions about the drug, erroneous belief that the drug’s pre-sealed packaging means that their supply could not have been adulterated, and a misbelief that the drug cannot be detected by a urine test.

Protecting Yourself From the “Date Rape” Drug

Rohypnol is not the only drug used in cases of violence against women. GHB (gamma-hydroxybutrate) has also been associated with sexual assault in cites throughout the country. Common names include, “liquid ecstasy,” “somatomax,” “scoop,” or “grievous bodily harm.”

To protect yourself from becoming a victim, be aware and stay alert:

• Be wary about accepting drinks from anyone you don’t know well or long enough to trust.
• If you are accepting a drink, make sure it’s from an unopened container and that you open it yourself.
• Don’t put your drink down and leave it unattended, even to go to the restroom.
• Notify other females you know about the effects of this dangerous drug.

If you think that you have been a victim, notify the authorities immediately.

http://www.shudokan.co.uk

Reference: http://womenshealth.about.com/

Dating violence is extremely common among teens. Even if your partner is charming and sweet at first, look out for signs of abusive relationships, such as:

• isolating you from friends and family
• having angry outbursts
• blaming others for problems
• threatening to hurt you during arguments
• getting extremely jealous for no reason
• acting cruel toward animals or children
• trying to control you by belittling your values or ideas.

If these warning signs sound like someone you’re dating, take a step back and reevaluate the relationship. If you need help figuring out what to do, talk to a school guidance counselor, social worker, teacher, pastor or domestic violence hotline. You are not alone!

Reference: http://teenadvice.about.com/

http://www.shudokan.co.uk

Getting out of the house for dates is always a good goal, especially if it’s your first date with somebody. Not only is it safer to hang out in a public place such as a restaurant, cinema or coffee shop, it’s fun to discover new places with someone else. Going out rather than hanging out tells your date that you think they’re special and want to explore the world–not just the tv channels–with them.

If you want to spend some time alone with the person you’re seeing, wait until you’ve had a few dates and have set ground rules for alone time. Even if your date wants to stroll through an empty park or make out in the car, you don’t have to go along with it. Trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to say no and call it a night.

Reference: http://teenadvice.about.com/od/datingrelationships/

http://www.shudokan.co.uk

Drugs and alcohol compromise your ability to make smart decisions and to escape dangerous situations. They can make you take risks you wouldn’t usually take with your body, your car and your safety in general. They also prevent you from getting to know what your date is really like and keep your date from getting to know the real you.

If you feel you must have a drink on a date or at a party, keep an eye on your glass at all times: Many teens are sexually assaulted after someone slips a powerful sedative drug into whatever they’re drinking. Resisting the urge to drink is the best way to prevent getting hurt and having to deal with the consequences of unwanted sex.

Reference: http://teenadvice.about.com/od/datingrelationships/

To be continued…

3. Talk To Your Parents

Never go on a date without telling someone else. Even if it’s a little annoying, let your mum, dad or another adult know when you’re going out. Be sure to tell your parents who you’re going with, where you plan to go and what time you expect to return home, too.

It’s a good policy to bring your mobile phone along, if you have one, and to leave your date’s phone number with your parents, just in case anything goes wrong. Be prepared for the unexpected: You might need a ride home, some extra cash or a way to bail if your date is a dud.

If the person you’d like to date is someone you met online, insist on meeting them in person first, and bring a friend along. Ask lots of questions to be sure that the person you’re meeting is who they claimed to be online.

Trust your instincts: If something doesn’t seem right about the person, do not share your contact information and leave the situation immediately.

2. Date People You Know and Trust

While it’s not always practical to become friends before dating someone, try to get to know your date through a group activity or a double-date before you go solo. You’ll see how your date-to-be gets along with others, and you’ll get some good clues about what to expect from them.

If you can’t hang out in a group before your first date, try to talk on the phone before you make plans to go out. Getting to know your love interest before you go on a full-fledged date gives you more to talk about and less to feel awkward about when you spend time as a couple.

More tips coming soon.

Reference: http://teenadvice.about.com/od/datingrelationships/tp/Dating-Safely.htm

In most cases of rape, there’s usually some sort of earlier contact between the victim and the attacker.

Usually the attacker and victim know each other.  In fact, 75% of all rapes are committed by either acquaintances, dates, or family members.  Only 25% of rapes are committed by strangers.

However, even in a “stranger rape” situation, the attacker will often approach you in a seemingly innocent fashion, before he begins his assault.

What he’s doing is trying out various strategies – to test you.

Are You an “Easy Victim”?

Testing you out

A potential attacker will often test you to see if you’ll make an “easy victim”.

These are known as “pretests”.

To defend yourself, you have to be able to recognize the pretests for what they are, and activate your defenses long before he turns it into a physical attack.

The main goal of any defense strategy, whether your attacker is a date, an acquaintance, or a stranger, is to leave the situation as soon as possible.

These pretests can range from someone

1. Asking for directions.
2. Knocking on your door and asking to use the phone.
3. Touching you.
4. Robbing you.

Your potential attacker is always using the pretest to determine whether you’ll make an easy victim or not.

Small Requests

The most common type of pretest is when an attacker makes a small request from you, such as asking for the time. Or asking to use your cell phone.

His goal is to stop you.

If an attacker can manipulate you into granting a “small request”, he will then ask another favour, and then another, confirming that you are easy to control.

Once he’s convinced, he will threaten you, or physically push you into a safer area to physically assault you.

Say No and Keep Walking

The safest response to any small request from a stranger is to either ignore it, or to assertively refuse the request by saying NO, and continuing to walk on.

Self-protection is always more important than being polite or helpful.

Unfortunately, most women have been conditioned into believing that it’s “rude” not to respond to a direct question.

This belief makes women vulnerable.

Men know this, and they use it to determine how submissive a woman will be.

Trust your gut feeling. If someone looks suspicious to you, leave and get to a safe place. It is better to be embarrassed than hurt.

Insulting You to Test Your Reaction

Let me give you an example.

You’re in town, walking along a street, and there’s a stranger leaning against the wall.  As you pass by him, he makes some kind of insulting or sexist remark to you (usually about your body).

It makes you mad, and you decide that you’re not going to let him get away with it.

So you stop and give him a piece of your mind, or you begin arguing with him.

But that’s exactly what he wants. 

His insult is his ‘pretest’.

He’s hoping he can stop you, get you talking, and determine how easy you are to manipulate and control.

Don’t fall for it.

This guy does this to twenty women a day looking for the right victim.

Don’t let it be you!

Reference: http://www.asafeworldforwomen.org/home/stay-safe/rape-avoidance-strategies.html

With the arrest of a family friend, it shows how it’s not just strangers our children need to be wary of.

The ‘safe word/password’ tip I mentioned in the last blog, is a way to help your children avoid walking off, even with people they are familiar with.

At Shudokan Aikido children as young as 4 years old are taught self-defense and a range of essential skills that will help them keep safe.

It’s important to be aware that strangers aren’t just out on the street, the internet has made children more vulnerable than ever so be aware of any online gaming websites where your children can play with other anonymous people (some adults pose as children) e.g moshi monsters , and of course all the social networking websites such as Twitter and Face book. Make sure you are aware of the websites your children use and whom they are interacting with.

What follows are a few adult behaviors kids should be aware and wary of. These points are not designed for one discussion, but topics for numerous shorter chats over the years with your kids. Talk about each one in the context of your child’s age and then watch how your child responds. It may help you recognize your son or daughter’s vulnerability (such as “you can have a puppy!”) so you can discuss the issue more.   

• Asking for help: “I need help finding my child. Please help me!”  “Can you help me look for my puppy?” Emphasize that a stranger does not ask kids for help.
• Offering treats: “Would you like some candy?” “I have a skateboard in my car. Would you like it?” “I’ll let you have one of my kittens (or pet my cat), if you will sit on my lap and watch this video.”
• Feigning an emergency: “Hurry! Your mom was in an accident. I’ll take you to the hospital.”
• Flouting authority: “I think you’re the kid who hurt my son. Come with me and we’ll go find your parents.”
• Pretending to be an official: “I’m with the Police and this is my badge. You must come.” (Tell your child to call you ASAP to verify the situation.
• Faking friendship. “I’m an old friend of your dad’s. He asked me to come over. Can you take me to your house?”
• Keeping a “secret.” Predators often try to make kids promise to keep the abuse a secret. Teach your child: “If any adult asks you to keep an uncomfortable secret, tell me.” You might say: “It’s okay to not keep a secret even if you promised an adult.”
• Needing personal information: “What’s your address? If you give it to me, I’ll send you a toy.” “I need your phone number so I can contact your parent.” Stress to your child: “Do NOT give out personal information such as your name, address, phone number, school, parents name, social security number, credit card number.” Then teach: “An adult does not ask a child for personal information. They ask the child’s parent.” (An exception is the child’s school).
• Requiring kids to open the door.” Stress repeatedly to never open the door to someone who is not an immediate family member. Explain that anyone who is a friend will understand your rule and not mind waiting. Stress: “Don’t say anything. Find a parent!” If you’re not home, tell your child to phone you from a backroom or 999 if in danger.

The secret to these discussions is bringing up the topics in a relaxed way just as you discuss other safety concerns like using cross walks and pool safety.  The best time to start those talks is when your kids are young! You are laying the groundwork to not only prevent abuse but also get the crucial help a child might need just in case.  The key for kids is to learn: “Adults should not trick kids to do anything they don’t feel comfortable doing.”

You might brainstorm with your child which adults he or she could turn to for help in each situation if you’re not around (for instance, in your neighborhood or school) “Who could you go to for help?”

Reference: http://insidedateline.nbcnews.com/

If you want your kids to stand up for themselves, don’t get in the habit of speaking for them. Doing so, can rob a child from developing the very skills she needs to look and sound determined. Instead, find opportunities for your children to practice using strong body language and a firm voice, so they can learn to defend themselves.

• Give Permission to Say “NO:” Studies show that kids under the age of nine rarely say “No” to a sexual offender because they were told “to obey adults.” So give your child permission to yell NO! “If someone tries to touch you in places your bathing suit covers, makes you feel at all afraid or uncomfortable, say ‘NO!’ You will not be in trouble. If someone tells you to do something you know is not right like get in an ice cream truck say ‘NO!’”
• Use your gut instinct: A “fear factor” can be powerful in keeping kids safe, but often isn’t used because we fail to help our kids learn to trust their gut instincts. Teach your child that if he ever feels he could be in danger, to use that fear instinct and leave immediately. You’ll support him…no matter what!
• Teach 9-9-9: Make sure your child knows her first and last name, your first and last name, phone number, and address. Program your home phone so your child can reach you and 9-9-9 instantly. Then teach how to dial “operator” to reverse charges, so she can call you from any phone anywhere.
• Establish a family secret code. Choose a memorable code like “Geronimo,” to give only to family members or trusted individuals responsible for your kids in your absence. Then stress: “Never leave with anyone who can’t say our family’s secret code.” Create a texted code (like “111” or “123”) to be used by the child to contact you if in danger. It recently saved a California teen from abduction.
• Teach: “Drop, Shout, and Run.” Teach your child that if he ever needs to get away quickly, he should drop whatever he is carrying, shout, and run. If possible, he should run to an adult (ideally a woman with children) screaming, “Help! This isn’t my dad!” If grabbed, he/she should hold on to anything (such as his bicycle handles or car door) shout, and kick an abductor in the groin or eyes. Dropping to the ground and kicking tantrum-style, makes it more difficult to be picked up.  Stress: “I’ll never be upset if you hurt someone if you’re trying to protect yourself.”

Reference: http://insidedateline.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/04/12/11163880-three-crucial-steps-that-teach-kids-stranger-safety?lite

Stay safe: http://www.shudokanaikido.co.uk