Outreach coordinator warns women about date rape

By Stacey DeFever, On-Line Forty-Niner

Thursday, October 1, 1998

One out of every three women will be the victim of date rape, said Leda Knee, campus outreach coordinator for the Rape Treatment Center at a seminar sponsored by the Panhellenic Council Monday in USU Multipurpose Rooms A and B.

Although one instance of rape is reported every five minutes, it is estimated that the actual number is three to 10 times higher, Knee said.

Knee informed more than 130 sorority women that date rape is not just a fraternity or sorority issue. It is an issue that affects women age two to 82 but the highest risk age group is 18 to 24, Knee said.

"I'm a normal person who grew up in Long Beach," said Terrie Hogue, a CSULB Gamma Phi Beta member. "My parents are still married after 30 years and I have a cat, but I was raped."

Two years ago, Hogue won a local beauty pageant title and subsequently was given the opportunity to speak to junior high and high school students on a topic of her choice. After keeping the rape a secret for five years, Hogue decided to tell her story.

When she was only 15 years old, Hogue said she noticed jealousy and obsessiveness, typical warning signs of a potential rapist, in her boyfriend's behavior. One summer day after swimming, he handcuffed Hogue to the couch in her living room and raped her, Hogue said.

"I'm fine with it now, but I've grown a lot since that day seven years ago," Hogue said. "I believe everything happens for a reason."

Physical signs of rape may include depression, sleeplessness and eating disorders, all signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Knee said.

Knee warned the women to be aware of date-rape drugs such as Rohypnol and GHB. Both may easily be slipped into a drink without being noticed since they are basically tasteless and odorless, Knee said.

Knee said women should walk to the ba with the man getting the drinks and to watch him closely.

She said to stick with friends and to watch out for each other, especially if someone is acting very drunk after only a drink or two.

Alcohol is the No. 1 risk factor of acquaintance rape, Knee said. Generally, she said, the women and the rapists are not heavily drunk, only slightly intoxicated.

Due to the high number of back-to-school social events, most of the rapes occur during the months of September, October and November, Knee said.