Date Rape Awareness

Parties. They can be fun; you get to socialize with your friends and meet new ones. It can be a time to unwind from school or work. Overall, it’s a chance to have a good time and have some much-needed fun. But parties also come with risks, one of those being date rape. You see, date rape is more common than we might think, and it's not always perpetrated by strangers lurking in dark alleys. Studies have shown that only 8 percent of reported rape cases involve attacks by strangers. The sobering truth is that women are most at risk from individuals they know, trust, or have some form of relationship with, including partners, former partners, men they're dating, and acquaintances. 1

A disturbing aspect of date rape is the use of drugs, which are estimated to be involved in up to one in five reported cases. These substances, like Rohypnol, GHB, GBL, and ketamine, can be slipped into drinks without detection, leaving victims vulnerable and confused. It's terrifying to think that someone we might trust at a party or a restaurant could do such a thing, but it's crucial to be aware and proactive. 2

Rohypnol

Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) – often nicknamed "roofies." It's a strong benzodiazepine (like Valium or Xanax) used to treat insomnia or used for anesthesia but is not legal in the United States. It was previously a small white tablet with no smell or taste, but due to this hazard, as of 2022, it's now made as a light green pill with a blue core that turns clear liquids blue. Effects can start within 15-30 minutes, with its most potent impact at about two hours, possibly lasting up to 12 hours.
GHB

GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid) – sometimes called "liquid ecstasy," a depressant that can be prescribed to treat narcolepsy. It is usually a liquid but can come as a powder and has no smell or taste. Effects can start as quickly as 15 minutes after taking it and can last up to six hours.
GBL

GBL (gamma-butyrolactone) – a precursor to GHB that can be faster and more potent.
Ketamine

Ketamine – often nicknamed "Special K." It can be used for anesthesia and is being tested in small doses as a treatment for depression. It comes as a clear liquid or off-white powder and is usually injected, although it can be used orally. Its effects can start within 30 minutes and usually last up to two hours.

Gals: Empower Yourself with Knowledge and Awareness!

Let's be aware that people do actually use date rape drugs to take advantage of someone. In fact, females ages 16-19 are 4 times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. To stay safe, never leave your drink unattended, and be cautious about accepting drinks from strangers. Trust your instincts, and if you feel something is off or start feeling weird, seek help immediately and get out of there! 3

Guys: Be Active Protectors!

You have the power to promote safety and respect at parties and social gatherings significantly. One of the most essential steps is watching out for the well-being of women, especially if you're in a group with friends. Be attentive to any situation that seems uncomfortable or potentially dangerous, and never hesitate to intervene or offer support if you see someone in need.

It's also crucial to look out for yourselves since guys are not immune to the risks of date rape. While it is true that women are statistically more likely to experience sexual assault and date rape, men can also be victims of these crimes.

Building a Community

If you see someone in a potentially dangerous situation, use your voice, offer help, and take action to ensure everyone's safety. When you do go out, consider bringing a trusty buddy with you when you go out. Remember to stick together and make a pact to leave if anyone feels uneasy or uncomfortable.

What Happens if There Is a Rape?

If you find yourself in the difficult and distressing situation of experiencing rape or sexual assault, it's essential to remember that you are not alone, and there are people who genuinely care about you and want to help. Take a deep breath and know that you have options, and you are in control of your narrative and what happens next.

Here are some important steps you can consider taking:

Call a hotline: Reaching out to a local center can provide crucial support and information. Trained professionals can answer any questions and guide you through the process. Family Advocacy Network (Kearney) and Willow Rising (Grand Island) are great places.
Go to the hospital: The decision to go after such an experience is entirely up to you. If you choose to do so, they may offer a sexual assault forensic exam, commonly known as a rape kit. This process can collect evidence of the assault from your body, clothes, and personal belongings.
Call 911: If you are in immediate danger or need urgent assistance, do not hesitate to call 911. They can dispatch emergency help and ensure your safety.
Focus on healing: Healing from such a traumatic experience is a deeply personal journey, and you have the right to prioritize your well-being. Taking time to process your emotions and seek support from trusted friends, family, or professionals can be essential to the healing process.

Know that our team members at Collage are here for you. We offer a safe space for counselors or law enforcement to meet you in one place during this time.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

How Soon After Sex Should I Get Tested for an STD?

November 6, 2026

New ParagraphIf you recently had sex and are wondering when to get tested for an STD, there is not one waiting period that applies to every infection. Different STDs take different amounts of time to become detectable, and the type of test being used can also affect when an infection may show up. Testing too soon after exposure may yield a negative result even when an infection is present. If you are unsure about your timing, schedule an appointment with Collage. We offer no-cost testing and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea , and our licensed medical professionals are here to answer your questions. Treatment is provided if a test is positive, and medical professionals are available to answer your questions. Why Timing Matters After exposure to an STD, there can be a period of time before a test can detect the infection. That window is not the same for every STD. Some infections may become detectable sooner than others, and certain situations may call for repeat testing after an initial negative result. This is why testing the day after sex will not necessarily give you the information you are looking for. A medical professional can consider when the exposure occurred, your symptoms, and the type of testing available. You Can Have an STD Without Symptoms Do not assume that feeling fine means there is no reason to get tested. Some sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include: Sores or bumps on the genitals or in the oral or rectal area Painful or burning urination Unusual or odorous vaginal discharge Unusual vaginal bleeding Pain during sex Sore, swollen lymph nodes, often in the groin area Fever Chlamydia may cause symptoms such as unusual discharge or burning with urination, but many people don’t notice symptoms at all. Gonorrhea can cause similar symptoms and may affect the genitals, rectum, or throat. However, because symptoms aren't always present, testing can identify an infection that might otherwise go unnoticed. If you develop symptoms or learn that a sexual partner has tested positive for an STD, contact a healthcare professional rather than waiting to see whether symptoms appear or go away. Why Testing Is Worth Doing Some untreated STDs can cause problems beyond the initial infection. Depending on the infection, complications can include arthritis, certain cancers, infertility, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Testing gives you the opportunity to identify an infection and receive treatment if available. A medical professional can also explain whether follow-up or repeat testing is recommended. Regular screening may also be appropriate for some people based on factors such as age, sexual history, new or multiple partners, and previous STDs. Start With Testing at Collage Collage offers testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea at no cost. Both infections commonly occur without obvious symptoms, so testing can be important even when you feel well. Both infections can be treated with the appropriate antibiotics. If your test is positive, Collage will contact you to schedule an appointment to come in for treatment. Schedule an initial STD testing appointment with Collage today to ask your questions and find out what is appropriate for you. Call us in Kearney at 308.234.9880 and in Grand Island at 308.675.2217. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

Can I Change My Mind After Taking the First Abortion Pill?

September 30, 2026

If you took the first abortion pill, it’s possible to start wishing you hadn’t. The regret may have hit you immediately, or it might have taken a few hours to realize that you want to continue the pregnancy. Either way, there may still be something you can do: abortion pill reversal (APR) may be an option. The first drug used in the abortion pill regimen is usually mifepristone. If you have taken mifepristone but now want to continue your pregnancy, call the Abortion Pill Reversal Network at 1-877-558-0333 right away. Their Helpline is available 24/7 and can connect you with a medical provider who can administer APR. If You Have Only Taken the First Pill Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone. Progesterone helps maintain the lining of the uterus during pregnancy. When this hormone is blocked, the uterine lining thins, and the pregnancy ends. The second drug in the abortion pill regimen is misoprostol , which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Abortion pill reversal involves giving progesterone after mifepristone in an effort to allow the pregnancy to continue. Don’t Wait for Symptoms Before Calling You may wonder whether you should wait before deciding what to do. But if you want to try to continue the pregnancy, call first. It’s critical to start the protocol as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 48 hours of taking mifepristone. However, you should still call even when more time has passed; it may not be too late. A medical provider can determine whether APR may still be appropriate. Does Reversal Always Work? Abortion pill reversal cannot guarantee that the pregnancy will continue. One published study reported ongoing pregnancy rates of approximately 64% to 68% with certain progesterone regimens, but individual outcomes vary. The important thing is to get medical guidance quickly rather than trying to determine your chances on your own. What if You Already Took Misoprostol? If you have already taken misoprostol, contact a healthcare professional promptly and explain exactly what you took and when. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms that concern you or believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency. Make the Call Now Changing your mind after taking mifepristone can be frightening, especially when you’re unsure whether there is still time to act. You don’t need to figure that out yourself. Call the Abortion Pill Reversal Network at 1-877-558-0333 as soon as possible and tell them when you took mifepristone. They can explain whether abortion pill reversal may still be an option and connect you with an appropriate provider. You can also contact Collage if you need someone to speak with while you work through your next steps. We’re here to help you. *Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services. **All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

I’ve Already Had an Abortion and Don’t Want Another One. What Are My Options?

September 7, 2026

Seeing another positive pregnancy test after having had a past abortion may bring up memories or emotions from that experience. If you already know you don’t want another abortion, you may be wondering what other choices you have and whether either feels realistic for your life right now. You have time to learn about your options and the available support. Collage is here to give you a place to discuss your circumstances so you can decide what’s right for you. Schedule a no-cost appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and what your next steps could look like. And read on to learn more about your pregnancy options besides abortion. Consider What Parenting Would Require You may want to parent but have concerns about whether you can make it work. Finances, housing, childcare, your relationship, work, or school can all influence how possible this option feels right now. Before deciding that those challenges make parenting unrealistic, it can help to identify your biggest concerns individually. Some of those concerns may have solutions you haven’t considered yet. Think about the support you already have, along with what you would need during pregnancy and after your baby arrives. Knowing where the gaps are can make it easier to find resources rather than trying to solve everything at once. Learn More About Adoption If you don’t want another abortion but aren’t ready to parent, adoption is another option. Today, a woman making an adoption plan can have a significant role in deciding what that plan looks like. Depending on the type of adoption, you may be able to choose an adoptive family and decide what level of contact you would like after placement. Open, semi-open, and closed adoption offer different levels of communication and privacy. Speaking with a licensed adoption professional can help you understand these differences, your rights, and what the process would involve before you make any commitments. Discuss Your Options in a Confidential Space Having had an abortion before does not mean you have to make the same pregnancy decision again. Your feelings, circumstances, priorities, or perspective may be different this time. If you know you don’t want another abortion, start by learning what parenting and adoption could realistically look like in your current situation. Collage provides a place to talk about your pregnancy and the concerns influencing your decision. We can also connect you with adoption agencies and community organizations that provide the support you’re seeking. Reaching out doesn’t lock you into a specific decision. Schedule a no-cost appointment with Collage today to get your questions answered and explore the options available to you. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.