Date Rapes : an increasing phenomenon...

Navratri is shortly arriving, a widely celebrated festival in recent times.Alcohol and drug abuse have seen a growth too leading to extensive abuses and violations.

A common phenomenon in the last couple of years has been the marked increase of "date rapes" where odourless and colourless additives are added to hard or soft drinks.These chemicals seem to create a cyclonic craving for sex, a passive resistance and leads to unforeseen trauma later.It happens to the most educated and intelligent amongst us and lot of unsuspecting people are caught in subsequent webs of trauma.

It is important for everyone , especially the youth to be aware of this syndrome when they visit pubs and other spots as part of their socializing.one should never turn one's back to one's drink; or visit the rest room leaving a half-used glass behind for a continuation later.Always advisable to visit such events with very close and known friends and yet be on the alert.A lot of date rapes are known to have been perpetuated by close friends and known acquaintances.

To me, more than the physical act of sex, non-consensual sex is a blatant violation that can leave behind so many scars.It is a violation of the fundamental dignity of a person and can lead to a humiliated existence.Anger and resentment can affect future relationships and make one very vulnerable to hurt.I have seen and interacted with people who have been victims of this syndrome.

I would not suggest people to stop enjoying their parties and the like. To each their own in their entertainment and recreation choices; but please be on guard always.

The price one pays for a lack of alertness and awareness can be very high....