In response to the 2012 gang rape of a teenaged girl in Pitt Meadows, Today Media Group published a guide to date rape drugs, how they work and how to avoid falling victim to them.
This guide will be permanently archived on all of our websites in the ‘Issues’ sections and the ‘Health’ sections. Simply remember to search for ‘date rape drugs’ or any of the tags at the top of the page and this page will come up.
Also; though this is a crime mostly committed against women and teenaged girls, there have been cases of men being victimized as well.
Information About “Date Rape” Drugs
Watch Your Drink for Substances Commonly Used to Facilitate Sexual Assault
GHB
To protect yourself always follow these simple rules:
1. Don’t accept open drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from others who you do not know or do not trust; this includes drinks that come in a glass.
2. When in bars or clubs always get your drink directly from the bartender and do not take your eyes off the bartender or your order; don’t use the waitress or let somebody go to the bar for you.
Ketamine
4. Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back on your table.
5. Do not drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs.
6. Keep your eyes and ears open; if there is talk of date rape drugs or if friends seem “too intoxicated” for what they have taken, leave the party or club immediately and don’t go back!
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Rohypnol
Most sedating drugs are eliminated by the body within 24 hours. If you think you have been drugged and sexually assaulted, go directly to a hospital emergency room or phone the Sexual Assault Crisis
There are many types of “date rape” drugs, including Ketamine, Rohypnol and GHB.
Students are advised to take steps to minimize the chances of becoming a victim of these drugs: always go out with trusted friends, never leave your drink unattended, and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know.
From Queen’s University – Information about date rape drugs.
Who To Call
Aldergrove
Libra House (Transition House)
CRISIS: (604)857-5797
Business:(604)857-5797
Fax: (604)857-0091Langley
Ishtar Transition House
CRISIS: (604)530-9442
Business: (604)530-9442
Fax: (604)530-2224
Mission Transition House
CRISIS: (604)826-7800
Business: (604)826-7800
Fax:(604)826-0520
missionhouse@shaw.caAbbotsford
Abbotsford Transition House
CRISIS: (604)852-6008
Business: (604)852-6008
Fax: (604)852-6542
Abby_TH@shaw.ca
www.wrsfv.caChilliwack
Anne Davis Transition House
CRISIS: (604)819-3557
Business: (604)792-3116
Fax: (604)792-4316
thstaff@anndavis.org
www.anndavis.org
Safety Tips for Women
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Date rape drugs are oh so stealthy:
Sarah, a college freshman anxious to meet new friends, gladly accepted an invitation to a party. Too young to legally drink alcohol, she insisted on drinking soda instead. She drank a few sips then left it unattended while she danced, finishing it afterward. She can’t remember anything after that.
She was the victim of a common crime: the spiking of a woman’s drink with drugs as a prelude to rape – oftentimes gang rape. Some rapists will also drug a woman’s boyfriend to get him out of the way.
The wide variety of drugs usually make you feel abnormally intoxicated, such as heaviness in limbs, nausea, dizziness, losing peripheral vision then consciousness, memory blackouts – and possibly death.
These odorless, tasteless drugs can be sprinkled into a woman’s drink if she glances away for even a moment – or dripped from an eyedropper (even bartenders are often arrested).
• Don’t accept a drink from an open container or a stranger.
• Don’t leave your drink while dancing or playing pool.
• Don’t rely on a friend to watch your drink for you.
• Don’t think putting a napkin over your glass protects you from date rape drugs. Keep your glass in your hand at all times.
If you have any doubt, pour it out. And don’t accept a cigarette – they, too, can be drugged.
While not “blaming the victim,” let’s learn lessons from the tragic loss of this precious young woman in order to help save other young women from date rape drugs. Ms. Holloway made a common mistake: drinking without a sober girlfriend nearby to protect her.
• Beware of guys drinking. Alcohol (especially) and drugs weakened 90 percent of women date rape victims. Eat plenty of food while limiting drinks to one or two per hour.
• Go to parties with girlfriends, watch out for each other, and leave together – not with a new beau. At least one of you should be the “Sober Sister” to safeguard the others.
• If you’re alone, don’t announce that you’re walking home. Have taxi money for a ride home. If you, your date, a girlfriend, or if you see any woman exhibit any of the above date rape drugs symptoms (or too much alcohol), get help immediately and call 911 for the police.
More Safety Tips for Women
• Women’s Safety – Overview
• Date Rape (or “Acquaintance Rape”): hidden risks, date rapist profiles, early warning signs, controlling a date, and escaping a threat.
• Date Rape Drugs: learn from victims how to stay safe.
• Stalking overview: definition, stalker profiles, and victim profiles.
• Stalker Warning Signs: how to nip it in the bud.
• Stop a Stalker: the Top 10 Ways
• Cyber Stalking: how to stop it FAQ.
• Domestic Violence (or Relationship Violence): batterer’s profiles, understanding the psycho-dynamics, and escaping.
• Teen Abuse: how to escape
• Battered Woman Syndrome
• College Security: learn campus safety from crime victims.
• Recap & Resources: a summary of this Women’s Safety website section.
For overall rape prevention strategies – both acquaintance and stranger – see Rape Escape Options – Overview and especially Ultimate Rape Prevention.
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College Security
Go from Date Rape Drugs to Women Safety – Overview
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