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.