what is rape and sexual abuse?
Some of the terms used by the support services can be confusing. This section provides
a definition of rape and some of the terms used to describe various types of rape and
sexual abuse, such as "aggravated sexual assault", "sexual
assault" and "drug rape".
In general terms rape is unlawful sexual intercourse with a woman or man who at
the time of the intercourse did not consent to it where the rapist knows that the
victim does not consent and is reckless as to whether the victim consents or not.
Aggravated sexual assault is a sexual attack that involves serious violence or
causes grave injury or degradation of the victim.
Sexual assault is a sexual attack with a less serious level of violence.
There has been deep concern for sometime over claims about the widespread use of
so-called date rape drugs. What is believed to be the most commonly used drug is
Rohypnol which has a very potent effect when mixed with alcohol. When the drug
takes effect, which may be only a matter of minutes, the victim may become
paralysed. The drug also has an amnesiac effect and in most cases the victim is
not sure whether an assault has taken place or not.
The drug can be detected in the urine up to 24 hours after it has been taken and
up to 72 hours through a blood test. It is important to act swiftly, some people
may feel awkward about making a complaint when they are not even sure if an
assault has taken place. In cases like these it would be advisable to go to your
GP explaining the circumstances and request the necessary tests for traces of
drugs. Alternatively contact your local Rape Crisis Centre.
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