Pubdate: Mon, 23 Sep 2002 Source: Intelligencer, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2002, OSPREY MEDIA GROUP INC. Contact: http://www.intelligencer.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2332 DATE-RAPE DRUG TEST STRIPS A GREAT IDEA Editorial - As younger and younger students head off for post-secondary education, it's no surprise parents are concerned about the safety of their offspring. One of their biggest fears, especially for parents of daughters, is date-rape, and now that fear has a newer, scarier dimension: date-rape drugs like Rohypnol, GHB or Ketamine. These drugs are used to render someone comatose, and will even wipe out one's memory of what they experience while under the influence. Making matters worse is the fact these drug can't be detected in the blood stream after four hours, and can't be detected in urine after 12 hours. Women who have been raped under the influence of a date-rape drug have no recollection of the event, and instead rely on a physical change to gain knowledge of the assault. By the time they realize what has happened, the evidence of the drug is long gone. For many, going to college or university is their first time away from home, a time to drink to excess without worrying about going home to mom or dad's reaction. With their inhibitions down, and for some, with little experience with alcohol or drugs under their belts, they are at greater risk to unknowingly receive Rohypnol. Fortunately, many already know the mantra to follow: don't leave your drink unattended, and don't accept a drink from strangers. Unfortunately, inebriated teens aren't too careful where they leave their drinks, and may not be too careful about who they accept drinks from. Even more unfortunate is the fact date-rape is often committed by someone known to and trusted by the victim. Listen to a group of women discussing their experiences with sexual violation, and you may be surprised not only by the number of stories they have to tell, but also by the fact that frequently the violators had been considered trustworthy in their crowd. All too aware of the risk of date-rape, St. Mary's University has acted to protect its students. Included in frosh kits given to about 800 first year students were drink coasters containing test strips for the date-rape drugs. Students were advised to dip their finger or a straw in their drink and rub the liquid on the strip. A change of colour (to blue, red or green) indicated presence of the drug. Though the science is apparently debatable, the awareness it raises is a sure thing. The presence of the date-rape drug is on the rise, and it is known to be on the streets in the Quinte area. The sooner an accurate, inexpensive test strip is available to all, the better. People who use date-rape drugs are fearful cowards. Let's make them even more afraid. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh