100% RISE IN INCIDENCE OF DRUG RAPE

MORE than 70 people were victims of drug rape last year, an increase of
100% on 2000, students were told yesterday.

The startling statistics emerged as the national student body, USI,
launched a campaign to raise awareness of rape involving tranquillising
drugs such as rohypnol.

"Drug assisted sexual violence has become a major problem in every part of
the country, and is growing," said Fiona Neary of the network of Rape
Crisis Centres.

She said that more than 70 victims were likely to have suffered. Drug rape
is vastly underrated, as most victims are unable to remember what had
happened to them, she said.

Figures for suspected drug rapes reported to the main RCCs last year show
there were:

* 20 30 cases in Dublin. * 15 cases in Cork. * 11 cases in Limerick. * Nine
cases in Galway. * Five cases in Kerry. * Four cases in Waterford. * Four
cases in Dundalk.

RCC head of clinical services Geraldine Connolly said the incidence of drug
rape had grown in recent years. "It has emerged to such an extent that from
this year on we will include it as part of our official statistics. Last
year we estimate we had 20 30 cases."

A counsellor at the Limerick RCC, Ingrid Wallace, said the number of drug
rapes had doubled from five in 1999 to 11 in 2000, a trend seen in other
regions. "It's definitely a problem, and the worse thing is the trauma to
the victim.

"There is total loss of memory and uncertainty as to what happened, apart
from knowing sex was involved," she said.

Susanne Bonner of Galway RCC believes the incidence of drug rape is
seriously underreported. "Legally, it is very difficult to prove. If the
victim doesn't get a blood test within 48 72 hours, the drug will be gone
from her bloodstream," she said. Sheila Vereker of the Waterford RCC, said
that while the rise in drug rapes was alarming, alcohol still remained the
drug most associated with sexual violence.

The USI campaign will run over the coming weeks to coincide with college
rag weeks, a period associated with heavy drinking.

"From talking to students it is clear that although many are aware of the
subject, very little is known about it," said USI welfare officer Alison
Gibney.

USI officers will place stickers with the warning Could this drink have
been spiked? on glasses and hand out leaflets containing information about
rape drugs.

A Department of Health committee, investigating the prescription of
benzodiazepines -- a family of drugs that includes rohypnol -- is expected
to report by the middle of this year.