Date rape prevalent but underreported

Date rape is prevalent in Botswana, according to psycho-support stakeholders but remains under-reported. Drugs like ndande are used to spike drinks of unsuspecting individuals and force them into sexual engagement. Pako Selemogo of Men and Boys for Gender Equality, noted that perpetrators of date rape are often a casual friend or an individual one is familiar with.

“This familiarity makes you less willing to trust your self-protective instincts.” He explained that victims of date rape are usually victimised by the first person they speak to and wind up battling with self-blame and remain bottled with trauma. Selemogo said that drugging someone makes it easier to square blame on the victim because they would have no idea of what happened. He stated that it is the prerogative of men to ensure that they respect women well and are on the same page. “Some men say they misunderstand a woman’s words and actions.

But without outright consent, forcing sexual contact is a crime. The victim might be coerced by blames, and any other means to give in to their initial refusal. This is an act of power, control and anger, not romance.” Selemogo advised women to take precautions. “Never leave your drink unattended or take an open drink from a stranger. Also attend social events with trusted close friends and check out a first or blind date with friends; meet and go out in public places, and let someone know about your location.”

He said that date rape is difficult to address because some men feel entitled to sex from women they take out. “We need to challenge the society to redefine the purpose of going out on dates. Going out on a date is meant to help people get to know each other. Even when assuming that women are expected to ‘reward’ the man, are we equating sex with drinks?”

According to Botswana Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner Witness Bosija, any reported case of rape is treated seriously regardless of the circumstance under which it happened. “We follow the Penal Code which indicates that rape is nonconsensual sexual activity. We sometimes hear of stories of women who meet men at bars and have arrangements with them but later change their tune but we investigate and treat cases with the urgency that they deserve.”