An easy source of victims for people seeking to commit sexual offences is at parties where drugs and alcohol are involved. This includes events like raves, music festivals, or parties. Some drugs can easily be slipped into drinks and can cause the drinker to be extremely vulnerable.
The effects can include:
- Feeling tired
- Nausea
- Feeling dizzy
- Being confused
- General loss of inhibition
- Reduced levels of consciousness
One of the side effects of these drugs is amnesia, so you may not even recall being assaulted or who by.
Be drug aware
The best way to avoid being the target of a sexual predator is to take the following 5 precautions:
- If you’re buying drinks at a bar do not leave them unattended
- Avoid open containers like punch bowls or jugs as they could be easily “spiked”
- Only accept the offer of a drink if it’s at the bar, and you can see the barman pour it.
- Don’t drink anything that tastes or looks strange.
- Stick with your friends. They will protect you and help you if you feel strange, sexual predators usually hunt alone.
Knowing the main drugs used to facilitate rape / sexual assault can protect you from harm, they are generally mixed with alcohol – please see table below:
| NAME | DESCRIPTION | APPEARANCE | EFFECTS | NICKNAMES |
| GHB
|
This is a depressant drug that doctors sometimes prescribe to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. | Usually, a liquid that can be mixed with other liquids. It also comes as a powder. Neither form has a smell or a taste. | GHB can make you sleepy, forgetful, or weak. It can also cause seizures, a slow heartbeat, slow breathing, and a coma. The effects start in 15 to 30 minutes and last 3 to 6 hours. | Easy Lay, Georgia Home Boy,
Liquid Ecstasy, Scoop, Soap, Salty Water, Fantasy And Many More. |
| Rohypnol
|
A strong tranquillizer that is not available legally in the USA. In other countries, doctors sometimes use it as anaesthesia before surgery. |
Used to come as a white tablet that didn’t have a smell or taste. Drug companies now make it a light green pill with a blue core. When put in a clear drink, sometimes the liquid turns blue. |
Rohypnol relaxes you. In high doses, it can cause trouble controlling your muscles, amnesia, loss of inhibitions, and loss of consciousness. Its effects usually start within 30 minutes and peak about 2 hours after you take it. As little as 1 milligram can affect you for 8 to 12 hours. |
Mexican Valium, Circles, Roofies, La Rocha, Roche, R2, Rope, Or Forget-Me Pill. |
| Ketamine | This is a dissociative drug that makes you feel detached from reality. Doctors and veterinarians use it as anaesthesia. Researchers are also studying it in people who have severe depression | Ketamine is a clear liquid or an off-white powder that’s often injected. You can’t smell or taste it. |
Ketamine might make you hallucinate or feel woozy. It can also cause an upset stomach, vomiting, high blood pressure, changes in your heart rate, seizures, or a coma. It usually takes effect within 30 minutes and lasts an hour or two. But you could be affected for a day or more
|
Special K, vitamin K, and cat Valium. |
Being under the influence of drink is the main cause of unwanted sexual contact. The effects of alcohol are well known, however, one stipulation under law underlines your protection whilst under the influence of drink or drugs
You cannot be deemed responsible to give consent to sex when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.