Staying Safe

Drug Rape

Drug Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK. Drug rape is usually committed by spiking a drink to incapacitate a person and take advantage of the effect the drug has on them.

• 54% of victims are drugged by alcohol

• 47% of victims are drugged in a pub or club

• 11% of victims are men

Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault (being drunk/taking drugs doesn’t mean its your fault).

There a currently many drug rapes drugs, amongst others; GBH, Valium, Tamazepan and Rohypnol. These are mostly clear, odourless and tasteless liquids, tablets, capsules and powders. The effects depend on dosage, but you may feel intoxicated, drowsy, nauseous and even fall unconscious. This may happen very quickly (within 30 minutes) and can last for up to 6 to 8 hours. Mixing the drugs with alcohol increases the chance of an overdose and there is a risk of them proving fatal.

The most common date rape drug is alcohol. Try and know your limits so you can be careful and look out for your mates.

Some Helpful Tips to Prevent Drug Rape

• Know your own drink tolerance level
• Think before you accept a drink
• Do  not leave your drink unattended or share or exchange drinks
• Look out for your friends. If you have a non-drinking driver, they can be your ‘drinks watcher’
• If you suspect someone has been drugged, call 999
• Open cans and bottles yourself. Drinking from a bottle and keeping your thumb over the top is a good idea, but if you leave it unattended you will not be able to see if anything has been put in it.
• If there is something strange about your drink, throw it away. Most drugs have no colour or taste and can be used in soft drinks as well.
• If you start to feel really drunk when you shouldn’t, turn to a trusted friend
• Consider very carefully whether your should leave with someone you have just met.
• Remember this can happen to men as well as women.
• Be aware

Some Useful Contacts