Newsletter: July 2003: Ask the Alliance

Dear Alliance,

Nearly a year ago I became a victim of a crime. I was drugged with GHB and raped. It wasn't until this horrible event happened that I learned how many women (and some men) fall victim to this drug. Most people believe that only college-coeds are drugged and date raped. This isn't the case at all. I am a 33 year old, sophisticated and professionally successful woman, and it happened to me.

I have been working with the criminal justice system to help stop this guy from hurting other women. The individuals in the law enforcement agencies, the emergency room doctors, my close friends and family, and my employers are my heroes. They are helping to put me on the road to recovery.

Though I will never be the same again, I will recover more fully if I do something to warn people of this GHB epidemic. I am looking for ideas of ways to speak out on this issue, as a survivor.

Sincerely,
Elicia
Manhattan

Dear Elicia,

First let me say that I am sorry about what you experienced. Second, have you connected with your local rape crisis program for counseling services? If you would like a referral, please look at our resource guide, on our website, www.nycagainstrape.org or call the Alliance at 212.523.4344.

There has been a great deal of attention paid to the issue of “date rape drugs” in the city. The Alliance's Forensic Healthcare Program held a full-day workshop on drug-facilitated sexual assault that was attended by law enforcement, prosecutors, healthcare professionals and rape crisis program personnel. The FBI recently held a training as well just on this topic. District Attorney’s Offices are piloting specialized date rape forensic evidence collection kits, and the New York State Department of Health is working on creating a standardized kit.

You are right when you say that awareness in the public also needs to be raised. If you would ever be interested in speaking publicly, that might be a way for you to assist in this regard. Please do not think that you "have" to do this. You do not. However, the Alliance is often asked if they know victims willing to speak on a subject. This often helps get issues in the media. It may be prudent however, to wait until after your case is over for a number of reasons.

Best wishes.

Sincerely,
Harriet Lessel, CSW
Executive Director

Ms. Lessel is Executive Director of The New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault. [[2] more]

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[1]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_author_3.html
[2]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_author_3.html
[3]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_column_1.html
[4]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_article_126.html

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