The Facts
• 50 – 70 % of all sexual assaults involve alcohol
• Sexually aggressive experiences include : threats for sex against their will , sexual touching against their will , and attempted and completed sexual penetration against their will
• 85 % of rapes on college campuses are committed by an acquaintance
• 71 % of rapes were planned in advance – it is therefore not solely an uncontrollable , impulsive act of sexual gratification
• The fact that alcohol consumption may increase likelihood of experiencing sexual assault DOES NOT make the survivor responsible for the perpetrator ’ s behavior
• People who commit crimes while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not considered free from guilt
• The fact that a person didn ’ t “ fight back ” during an assault does not mean that he / she wasn ’ t really raped
• Women don ’ t incite men to rape – it is the responsibility of the rapist alone ( no means no , no matter what the circumstances )
• Assuming that women provoke attacks by who they are or the way they dress is victim-blaming
• A person who has been assaulted will not necessarily be “ hysterical ,” survivors exhibit a spectrum of emotional responses including , but not limited to , hysteria , calm , laughter , anger , apathy , shock . Each person copes with the trauma of assault in a different way and that must be respected
Short-term effects include : Delusions , increased appetite , increased heart rate , bloodshot eyes , dry mouth and throat , loss of short-term memory , dizziness , altered sense of time , impaired judgment , mood swings , inability to concentrate , loss of coordination , and loss of depth perception .
Long-term effects include : Risk of brain damage , mental depression , reduced immunity to infections , impaired memory and ability to learn , hallucinations and paranoia , chronic lung disease , heart disease , increased risk of lung cancer , irregular ovulation in females , and decreased sperm count in males .
Short-term effects include : Depressed respiration , clouded mental functioning , nausea and vomiting , sedation , drowsiness , hypothermia , coma or death ( due to overdose ).
Long-term effects include : Bad teeth , inflammation of the gums , constipation , cold sweats , itching , weakening of the immune system , coma , respiratory illnesses , paralysis , reduced sexual capacity and long-term impotence in men , menstrual disturbance in women , inability to achieve orgasm ( men and women ), loss of memory and intellectual performance , introversion , depression , pustules on the face , loss of appetite , insomnia .
Depressants : Often referred to as central nervous system ( brain and spinal cord ) depressants , these drugs slow brain function . They include sedatives ( used to make a person calm and drowsy ) and tranquilizers ( intended to reduce tension or anxiety ). Some drugs in this category ( Zyprexa , Seroquel , and Haldol ) are known as “ antipsychotics ;” some drugs ( Xanax , Klonopin , Halcion , and Librium ) are referred to as benzodiazepines (“ benzos ”); and some drugs ( Amytal , Nembutal , and Seconal ) are classed as barbiturates ( sleeping pills ).
Short-term effects include : Slow brain function , lowered blood pressure , confusion , dizziness , fever , visual disturbances , disorientation , lack of coordination , difficult or inability to urinate , slowed pulse and breathing , poor concentration , fatigue , slurred speech , sluggishness , dilated pupils , depression , and addiction . Higher doses can cause impairment of memory , judgment , and coordination , irritability , paranoia , and suicidal thoughts . In addition , some people can experience the opposite of the intended effect , such as agitation or aggression .
Long-term effects include : Rapid development of tolerance , depression , chronic fatigue , breathing difficulties , sexual 33