“Most sexual assaults in America are committed by an acquaintance or date,” said Rape and Domestic Abuse educator Kim Patch.  

Patch also said, “The most common form of rape in 2015 so far, is acquaintance rape.  Which means that there is some kind of relationship.  Whether you briefly met this person at a party, went on a date, or have a class together.”

When asked what date rape was sophomore Izzy Tockey said “I think it is when you go on a date with someone, and you get sexually assaulted by your date.”  However when Sophomore Jameson Larson was asked the same question, he said “It’s when people are drugged, and then raped.”

Date rape situations can happen in many ways said Patch.  “Alcohol is the number one for drug facilitated sexual assault, Rophonyl is second,”  stated Patch.  Rophonyl is a sedative, which has the capability to make someone unconscious and disoriented.  “Some of the drugs used to facilitate sexual assault or rape can be fatal if mixed with alcohol,” said Patch.    

Other drugs used to commit these crimes include: Ketamine, Ecstasy, and  GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate).  University of Southern California; Sexual Assault Center.  Patch also provided a statistic that 25% of women report that drugs were a factor in rape.

“The other way that date rape can happen is when someone the person knows, sexually assaults them.  This can happen without drugs and alcohol.”  said Patch.  Senior Lisa Van Donk also said, “Both persons involved can be sober, date rape is rape.”  

Another statistic provided by Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network shows that the majority of sexual assault victims are between the ages of 16 and 24.  College students are particularly vulnerable, with 1 in 5 women being sexually assaulted while attending college.  The report goes on to say that most college victims are victimized by a person they know, with parties being the usual crime scene.  These acts are typically committed when the victim is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  “Due to the population in Omaha and Lincoln, date rape is most common in that part of Nebraska, the sizes of colleges are different.” said Patch.

Patch strongly emphasized “Alcohol is never consent, if they are drunk they did not want it.  Being drunk is no use for consent, if the person is under the influence it was not consensual.”

If you or anyone you know thinks they may be the victim of rape please call the National Rape hotline at:  800-566-HOPE (4763).