DRUG RAPE STUDY SHOWS ALCOHOL LINK

The first major study into alleged "drug rape" cases in the UK found
massive evidence that victims had been drinking and no cases of the
notorious Rohypnol drug, it has been revealed.

Only two of 120 cases examined by the Association of Chief Police
Officers found forensic evidence of "GHB"- the other drug widely
linked with the drug rape phenomenon.

But 119 of the 120 alleged victims admitted they had been drinking
alcohol and forensic tests found evidence of booze in 52% of cases.

"In most cases, the alleged victims had consumed alcohol voluntarily
and, in some cases, to dangerous levels," a spokesman said.

"The report does not seek to deny or neutralise the incidence of
drug-facilitated sexual assault but merely view the topic in the
context of alcohol and other related issues."

Analysis found 22 alleged victims were two to three times above the
legal drink-drive alcohol limit. Additionally, 57 of the 120 people
had traces of controlled or prescribed drugs in their systems,
including cannabis in 20% of cases, cocaine in 17% and amphetamines
(including Ecstasy) in 9%.

In a total of 41 cases an alleged victim had taken both booze and
illegal drugs, eight had taken alcohol and prescribed drugs and seven
had taken all three.

The report concluded there was no evidence to suggest widespread use
of Rohypnol and only "limited traces" of GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyrate.

Report co-author Dave Gee said: "This study is the first of its kind
in the police service and demonstrates the difficulties faced when
investigating offences of this type.

"The findings contained within the report will assist forces in
investigations and also inform the wider public as to steps one can
take to minimise the threat of becoming a victim."