Natural Defense: Date Rape Straw

It may be your daughter, sister, friend or another unsuspecting female that becomes victim to date rape. Although it is not reported as a significant problem, on the contrary, statistically, date rapes are the highest incidence of rape among young women today. 

Intelligent Living reported that,

“A 2016 study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that date rapes are among the higher number of rape cases. 21% of female college students across nine schools experienced sexual assault since entering college, with most incidents involving the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Women ages 16 to 24 were found the most frequently targeted groups.” 

You don’t hear or read about this statistic much because a majority of those women raped do not report it. They refuse to give identifying information due to fear of retribution, loss of schooling, or from being ashamed that it was their fault. Still, the numbers of those treated or eyewitness accounts are recorded, however, experts still concerned that the percentage is even higher than believed. 

Recently, some young entrepreneurial women have found a way to fight back and defend themselves through an innovative invention that could be a major tool in stopping date rape. It is a date rape straw and every woman should carry one.

What is Date Rape?

The term “date rape” is a tricky accusation as the definition can seem vague and somewhat elusive.

As reported by Science Direct,

“Date rape is identified as a type of sexual assault where the victim and the offender are in, or have been in, some form of personal social relationship. This may range from a first date to an established relationship. Date rape is non-aggravated, nonconsensual sex that rarely involves physical injury, or the explicit threat of physical injury, but may involve the use of drugs or excessive levels of alcohol to overcome a victim’s defenses.”

In some cases, date rape is not taken seriously due to the prior “personal social relationship” which immediately leads some to believe that sexual relations are therefore consensual, particularly when drugs or alcohol are involved. However, more law enforcement officials are no longer allowing this determination to stand as scores of women ban together to support this victimization and do anything to stop it. 

Teenage Invention

Navigating teen years can be difficult enough and when the threat of date rape looms over all there is to be concerned about, it can be taxing. This is why three young women put their heads together and invented a straw that can detect if a drink has been spiked with any of the three popular date rape drugs: 

• Ketamine aka Black Hole, Bump, Cat Valium, Green, Jet, K, K-Hole, Kit Kat, Psychedelic Heroin, Purple, Special K and Super Acid
• Rohypnol aka Roofies, Forget Pills, Lunch Money, Mind Erasers, Rib, Roach, Rope, Ruffies, Trip-and-Fall and Whiteys
• Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid aka GHB, Liquid ecstasy, Easy Lay, Energy Drink, Great Hormones, Grievous Bodily Harm and Vita-G 

These drugs are slipped into a woman’s drink (alcohol or non-alcohol) and when consumed the woman becomes weak, confused, disoriented, and extremely vulnerable making her a prime target for rape. Most people do not take notice when a man is escorting a “drunk” or “sick” woman out of an establishment where then, in privacy, the crime takes place. 

The date rape straw coined the ‘Smart Straw’ is fitted with two separate test strips that when placed into any drink immediately turns blue if that drink is positive for a date rape drug. This natural defense instantly alerts the woman and action can be taken right away. 

The teen inventors, Victoria Roca, Susana Cappello, and Carolina Baigorri, are all students of Miami, Florida’s Gulliver Preparatory School. They learned how women 16-24 are prime date rape targets and wanted to do something about it. 

Carolina Baigorri commented,

“Being young women, I feel like this is a problem that we hear about a lot, especially when we came to high school”

The Smart Straw is being scaled into mainstream production with environmentally friendly materials and various sizes soon becoming options as well. In addition, some other companies are testing comparable applications including chemical detecting nail polish, drink coasters and cups. 

Stay Vigilant

Although these date rape devices are a good tool in natural defense, staying vigilant is paramount. Intelligent Living reminds how to do this with an easy list to reference and remember  for the ultimate date rape protection:

Don’t accept drinks from strangers.

• Make sure to open sealed containers yourself or watch the bartender make your drinks.
• Always keep your eyes on your drink, and if you go to the bathroom, bring it with you.
• Stay away from communal drinks like drinking games, punch bowls, fountains and drink pools.
• Don’t drink anything that smells, looks, or tastes unusual.
• When you plan to get drunk, keep a good friend around who doesn’t drink and can keep you safe.
• If you are starting to feel intoxicated or are having suspicious symptoms, tell a trusted friend.
• Beware of anyone who insists that you drink something, say no, and walk away.

Don’t let yourself or a loved one fall victim to date rape by encouraging them to carry a Smart Straw and follow sensible guidelines. There are many men out there with nefarious intentions and the more women can stop these criminals the more they can socialize without the threat of being attacked.