Pubdate: Fri, 30 Sep 2005 Source: Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Parksville Qualicum Beach News Contact: http://www.pqbnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1361 Author: By Cst. Beth Blackburn DRUG FACILITATED SEXUAL ASSAULT Predatory drugs are substances used to facilitate sexual assault by rendering victims defenceless. It is important to note that alcohol is the number one substance used in drug-facilitated sexual assault. Drugs like GHB, Ketamine, Rohypnol and ecstasy can be used as a weapon in sexual assault crimes. When they are hidden in a drink, they may be completely undetectable. These drugs are often powerful and dangerous. They can seriously harm or even kill you. To reduce the risk of drug-facilitated sexual assault: Watch your drink Don't leave beverages unattended. If you realize that your drink has been left unattended, discard it. Don't share or exchange drinks with anyone. When at a bar or club, only accept drinks from the bartender or waitress. When at parties, do not accept open containers or drinks from anyone Don't take a drink from a punch bowl. Don't accept drinks, including soda or water, from someone you don't know well and trust. Don't drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance (for example, a salty taste). Watch your friends Always go to parties and bars with friends. Perpetrators are less likely to assault someone if they know that their potential victim is with a group of people who are watching out for him/her. Appoint a designated sober person when you go to parties, clubs or bars and have a plan to check up on each other. If one of your friends becomes very ill, appears very intoxicated or gets very sick, passes out, has difficulty waking, appears to have trouble breathing, or is behaving in an unusual manner after drinking just one beverage - take appropriate steps to ensure your friend's safety. Take them to the nearest hospital and call 911. If you think you have been drugged and or raped, get to a safe place and call the RCMP or 9-1-1. In upcoming columns: information on the drugs used in sexual assault. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D