FACTSHEET:
Rohypnol
Illicit use of Rohypnol began in the 1970s in Europe and appeared in the United States in the early 1990s. Much of the concern surrounding Rohypnol is its abuse as a "date rape" drug. Rohypnol is a tasteless and odorless drug and, until recent manufacturer efforts, dissolved clear in liquid, which masked its presence. Drug-facilitated rape can be defined as sexual assault made easier by the offender’s use of an "anesthesia" type drug that can render the victim physically incapacitated or helpless and unable to give consent to sexual activity. Whether the victim is unwittingly administered the drug or willingly ingests it for recreational use is irrelevant. The person is victimized because of an inability to consciously consent to sexual acts.
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Newsletter: Summer 2005: Quarterly Meeting ReviewThe June quarterly meeting began with reports from individuals, borough task forces and citywide committees, highlighting current issues. One issue participants were particularly concerned about was maintaining a focus on the continuum of care for the sexual assault survivor. Current funding streams focus on acute care, and limit the intermediate and long-term services included in the comprehensive treatment model. Most advocates support a holistic model which responds to the survivor’s long- and short-term, psychological, emotional and medical treatment needs.For example, it was noted that there is a scarcity of ongoing, walk-in support groups. When survivors seek help and are turned away because a group has begun, they are not likely to come back at the beginning of the next cycle. It may be a long time before they find the strength to seek help again, if they ever do. A related problem is the cap on rape crisis program funding that only covers counseling for 12-week sessions. This is particularly insufficient for survivors with chronic histories of abuse. Currently, the Hospital Committee is working with two psychotherapy training institutes—ICP (Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy) and NIP—National Institute for the Psychotherapies to develop an integrated treatment program that blends trauma theory with longer-term analytic theories. The psychoanalysts they are working with have been very receptive. A lack of funds to cover the cost of private treatment, especially for uninsured survivors, remains a problem. The committee has also identified interest in working with substance abuse agencies to address the schism between substance abuse and trauma treatments. The second half of the meeting was spent discussing innovative prevention efforts in public schools. We began with presentations from three groups. Beth Israel Rape Crisis & Domestic Violence Intervention Program has created a wonderful new film, Morning Story. The story begins the morning after, when a young woman has come to the hospital for a pregnancy test, and a young man is playing basketball with his friends. Aptly titled, the film is current, and tells a powerful story of a young woman who is raped by a young man in his cousin’s apartment after a night of dancing. The film was created in response to reactions of students towards similar films. While there are many wonderful films available, their effectiveness with young people can be hampered by their decades-old style. Victims’ Services Coordinator Carol Sher and social worker Alicia Reinhardt were at our meeting to screen the film and discuss experiences in the classroom setting. Students have found the film provocative and challenging. Boys’ first response is often to feel persecuted, and that all the responsibility lies on them. They talk a lot about Kobe Bryant and false reporting. But despite these initial reactions, many are able to engage the film on a less defensive level, especially in mixed-gender groups. Alicia has been to five schools to train staff, screen the film with youth, and provide follow-up. Alicia stressed the importance of meeting with staff before showing the film in a classroom. Reactions to and knowledge about sexual violence on the part of teachers and guidance counselors vary. Working with staff upfront promotes successful integration of the workshop by in-school staff after the presentation. Copies of the film are available for a small donation. Contact Carole Sher at 212.420.4516 for further information. New York Reads Together (NYRT), a project of the NY Women’s Agenda, has worked with the Department of Education and SPARK Programs to launch this year’s book: Speak, a young adult coming of age novel about a high school girl who is sexually assaulted by a fellow student. Barbara Gerard, Co Chair of NYRT, was at our meeting to discuss the project. The book was chosen for the importance of its subject matter and its literary merit. Now in its third year in New York City, NYRT is also happy to showcase its first female author, Laurie Andersen. An accompanying curriculum, developed by Donna Gaffney through a grant with Seton Hall University, will be available for teachers. The book will be read in 9th grade English classes in the fall, with discussions led by in-school counselors. Along with the book, students will receive a bookmark, designed by the Alliance, with information for teens on counseling, medical and prevention resources. The number of participating schools has yet to be determined, and is dependant upon the funds available to purchase books. NY Reads Together is targeting schools that are open and interested in their program. If you know of a school that may be interested in participating, please contact the New York Women’s Agenda at nywa@nyc.rr.com. Kingsbridge Heights Community Program Child Sexual Abuse Treatment and Prevention Program recently started a Peer Sexual Harassment Council at JFK High School in the Bronx. Chistine Marr, Director, reported that students identified sexual harassment as part of everyday life. With funding from the City Council, the Peer Council will provide a response through youth leadership and peer education. The students are active in their school communities with projects to raise awareness about sexual harassment and make efforts to intervene when they see sexual harassment occur. They meet regularly to discuss successful interventions and barriers. The program also integrates the NYPD Community Liaison, school principal, and other community leaders in eliminating tolerance for sexual harassment. The Alliance and all participants were excited to hear about these innovative efforts. One common thread is that each project requires staff preparation and participation. The Alliance and programs have long held the belief that any school-based program should include staff training. The culture of a school, and its staff’s preparedness to respond appropriately to sexual violence, is vital to any prevention campaign. At our meeting, the director of Safe Horizon’s hotline reported that school counselors are one of the largest “secondary populations” calling the hotline, next to parents of survivors. These experienced professionals are often in need of assistance to apply their own knowledge and skills in a new way. At the meeting, we were happy to highlight three programs that are doing just that.
(Read
other articles in this series.)
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Voices and Faces:
Victoria Sherden 
"People think you can't be raped by your own husband or boyfriend. They need to think again."
Read more about Victoria at The Voices and Faces Project »
EVC youth filmmakers discussing their documentary "It’s Not About Sex" with audience members
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