Date Rape
North Wales Substance Misuse Forum website.
|
| |
Date Rape
|
Be Aware And Take Care |
| What is drug rape? (Rohypnol, GHB & Alcohol)
It is forced sexual intercourse whilst the victim is mentally and physically incapacitated due to drugs unwittingly taken by the victim.
If you are in doubt – report it to the police or other agency on the numbers provided.
It is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK and happens to women AND men.
These drugs are often hidden and undetected in drinks by acquaintances and so called ‘friends’ whilst out socialising. ANY drink may be ‘spiked’ using any number of drugs.
Some people are using drugs to take advantage of their victims with a view to overpowering them and commit rape. The type of drug used is often undetectable to the victim especially when mixed with alcohol, when it can then seriously harm the victim or in extreme cases prove fatal.
|
Signs that you may have been drugged
- If you feel a lot more intoxicated than usual response to the amount consumed.
- If you wake up very hung over, feeling ‘fuzzy’, experiencing memory lapse for a period of time.
- If you feel as though someone had sex with you but can’t remember any incident.
- If you have any momentary flashbacks leaving you confused and distressed.
The main side effects are blackouts and memory loss amongst others. All traces of the drug will disappear between 12 and 48 hours after ingestion. Time is precious. Therefore if at all possible, it is vital that you have a urine toxicology test within this time limit. |
What if it happens to you?
- Get to a safe place.
- Get help immediately. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you.
- Contact the police without delay.
- Do not shower, bathe, douche or throwaway clothing you were wearing during the incident. If possible save any materials that might provide evidence, such as the glass that held your drink.
- If you need urgent medical help go to your nearest Hospital and ensure they contact the police.
- Get emergency contraception from the Police Surgeon, GUM clinic, or Brook Advisory with in 48hrs.
- Get counselling support. You don’t have to deal with this on your own.
|
Be Aware and Take Care
Don’t let someone spoil your good time
|
What to do when you are out.
- Don’t drink beverages that you did not open your self.
- Don’t share or exchange drinks with anyone.
- Don’t take a drink from a punch bowl or container being passed around.
- Don’t leave your drink unattended at any time.
- Discard a drink that has been left unattended.
- Don’t drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance.
- If someone offers to buy you a drink, accompany him or her to the bar, observe it being poured and carry the drink yourself.
- Remember, alcohol does affect your reactions as well ads your ability to be alert.
|
Watch out for friends
- Appoint a trusted ‘non-drinking drink watcher’
- If a friend appears very intoxicated, feels sick after a drinking a beverage, is sleepy and difficult to waken, has difficulty breathing or is behaving in an uncharacteristic way, GET HELP and ensure SAFETY.
- If you see/hear of someone ‘spiking’ drinks intervene, warn others, discard drinks and get help.
- Warn friends about high-risk situations and what to watch out for.
- Rape is a crime of violence and is never the fault of the victim.
- It is never okay to force yourself on another person.
|
REMEMBER
Who’s Watching Your Drink?
|
Other information sources:
Crimestoppers: 0800 555111
North Wales Police: 0845 6071002
Samaritans: 08457 909090
|
