Pubdate: Tue, 17 Aug 2004 Source: Penticton Western (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Penticton Western Contact: http://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1310 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/date+rape (date rape) THE DOPE ON DATE RAPE DRUGS According to helping agencies, what we once thought of as a big-city problem, has made its way to the South Okanagan, where date rape drugs are now being used in sexual assaults. While alcohol has for decades been used to take advantage of intended victims, at least 12 cases of sexual assault where specific date rape drugs are suspected have come to the attention of local victims' assistance groups in the past few months. One suspected case this past weekend was reported to local RCMP. That frequency makes the issue worth discussing - now, not later - with your daughters, friends and anyone else who will listen. The only way to prevent falling victim to these low-life predators is to be forewarned and to take precautions. So-called date rape drugs are most often odourless and colourless. They have a tranquilizing or sedative-hypnotic affect and cause amnesia, blackouts, memory loss and, sometimes, the inability to feel pain. That makes them perfect for use by those who want to sexually assault someone. Not only is the victim unlikely to remember much about the incident, but they are even less likely to report it as they have often been consuming alcohol and are afraid their concern won't be taken seriously. But there are ways to prevent becoming the victim of a date rape drug. Night club patrons should buy their own drinks - rather than accepting them from someone else - and watch them being poured or opened and then keep an eye on them at all times. When you leave your table, take your drink with you. If you have to put your drink down and can't keep track of it, discard it immediately. If your drink looks or taste funny, or you see someone hovering suspiciously near it, discard it. These rules apply at house parties and any other venue where alcohol is served and there are other people present. But most importantly, develop a buddy system when you go out in the evening. One person should stay sober if he or she is the designated driver. Even if you've both decided to take a cab home instead, make a pact to keep an eye on each other and then keep it. Know the names of the people you hang out with and don't assume a friend of a friend is safe. Using a date rape drug is a very deliberate act that is designed to rob a potential victim of his or her dignity and free will. It's disturbing that this warning must be issued, but more unsettling still that some will ignore it. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager