Pubdate: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 Source: Prince George Citizen (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 Prince George Citizen Contact: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/350 Author: Sarah Boyd-Noel, co-ordinator, Northern Women's Centre Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/date+rape (date rape) DATE RAPE DRUGS AT WORK IN CITY It has come to the attention of the Northern Women's Centre that once again date rape drugs are being used in Prince George. Rohypnol, GHB, DXM and ketamine are several drugs that are commonly used in "drug facilitated sexual assault." Rape drugs are odourless, colourless and tasteless; are available in different forms -- liquid, powder, tablets, chunks; can sedate within 10 to 20 minutes - lasting up to eight hours; can cause loss of muscle co-ordination, confusion, loss of inhibition; can cause amnesia (so victims often have no memory or fuzzy memory of events, or are in a "waking sleep"). Effects can be misinterpreted as an over-consumption of alcohol, and effects are worse with alcohol. Keep in mind that the No. 1 drug used in drug rape is alcohol. Please note that no one is immune. Victims of both genders and varying ages have reported being victims. Staying safe: Be responsible for/watch your own drinks at all times. Take drinks to the washroom and/or dance floor (even turning one's head momentarily affords enough time for a perpetrator to dispense a rape drug). Open your own drinks. Don't accept opened drinks or drink from open drinking vessels i.e. a punch bowl. Don't trust anyone, not even a friend (they may have the best of intentions but they are not always watching or get distracted). If someone wants to buy you a drink, go with him or her to the bar, and accept the drink from the bartender yourself. Bring your own drinks to house parties. Look out for your friends - If they seem "too intoxicated" considering what they have consumed, assume a rape drug. What to do if you suspect you have ingested a rape drug: Go to hospital emergency. Request that the hospital take a urine sample to test for rape drug(s). If you suspect sexual assault, request a physical examination. Try to bring glass or bottle you drank from. If possible, have a trusted friend stay with you. Report the incident to police. Don't feel ashamed (ironically, most victims feel this way.). It was not your fault. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek