Pamphlets are scattered throughout campus warning students about a recent date rape drug incident. This is the first such incident that has occurred in more than five years.

“Date rape drugs have not been a problem in the past, but alcohol has been involved in sexual misconduct cases here,” senior Katie Yow said. Yow is part of Students Against Rape Culture (SARC), a project of the club Gender Equality Now.

However, Alyson Kienle, associate dean for campus life, has seen college campuses dealing with date rape drug incidents.

“For 10 to 15 years this has been a constant issue on campuses,” Kienle said. “I wouldn’t doubt it has happened more than it has been reported.”
The date rape drug case was reported anonymously. The hospital suggests that a date rape drug was mixed with alcohol, but they are unsure of the type of drug. The incident occurred off-campus. The victim was a Guilford student and the perpetrator was a non-student.

“This was a sexual assault, but she does not remember what happened,” said Aaron Fetrow, dean for campus life.

“According to evidence given to us we believe that date rape drugs have been used,” said Sandy Bowles, residence life program manager.

Campus Life decided that there was no immediate threat to the campus community based on information provided by the reporting party.

In general, date rape victims have the right to pursue their assault case. Campus Life can monitor the incidents if they are reported.

“We only deal with it if they were reported. Otherwise we have no knowledge,” said Keifer Bradshaw, public safety coordinator.

The reporting parties in sexual assaults are usually women.

“Ninety-nine percent of the reports are made by women,” Fetrow said.

Since the recent incident, Campus Life has tried to increase awareness of date rape drugs. Common side effects of the drugs are induced sleep, drowsiness, incoherence, hangover-like symptoms, and blacking out.

“Some people feel they have become intoxicated a lot quicker than they thought” Yow said.

Since this case did not happen at Guilford and the perpetrator was a non-student, there can only be a no trespassing order if the victim wants that. Victims have a choice to continue with their case by going to the local police department.

If this case involved a perpetrator from Guilford, the student would be expelled and would have to face legal consequences.

There are several resources for students who are seeking help. Guilford has a drug hotline and a rape hotline. Students can go talk to Sandy Bowles, and the Health Center and Public Safety are available to help victims. There is a class that teaches tactics and knowledge to prevent dangerous situations. Bradshaw has taught the class for the past two and a half years.

“It’s better to know preventive techniques and not need them, than to need them and not know,” Bradshaw said.

Campus Life pamphlet safety tips:
1. Open or pour your own drinks.
2. Only accept drinks you watched being poured.
3. Keep your drink with you at all times, even when you go to the bathroom.
4. Avoid sharing your drinks.
5. Avoid drinking from punch bowls or other large, common, open containers.
6. Don’t drink anything that tastes, looks, or smells strange.
7. Always go to a party, club, or concert with someone you trust.
8. Say no to alcohol at parties; have water or soda instead.