DRUG 'G' USED IN DATE RAPES

It's a clear, odourless, liquid easily made with over-the-counter
ingredients from one of hundreds of recipes on the Internet.

The date rape drug of choice is known as "G," Gamma hydroxybutrate - or
GHB. It leads to a loss of inhibitions and has effects similar to alcohol.
The right dosage can be slipped unnoticed into a drink, causing users to
black out while still being able to function.

And according to the South Okanagan Victims Assistance Society (SOVAS),
date rape druggings are happening in Penticton - possibly every weekend.

"I firmly believe, based on what I'm hearing, that this is happening
regularly. I feel that this is a commonplace thing in our community," said
Lisa Needoba, SOVAS agency coordinator. "Over the last few months I've
heard numerous stories-we've had a number recently that are definitely
related to drugging."

The latest reported incident of suspected date rape drug use was this past
weekend. RCMP say a 23-year-old woman reported that she believes GHB was
slipped into her drink at a local night club.

While she wasn't sexually assaulted, she visited her doctor after feeling
very tired and sick that evening. She will supply RCMP with photos and a
list of names of suspects, said Cst. Chris Cottrill.

This account is similar to those reported to SOVAS. At least three women -
some under the age of 18, says SOVAS counsellor Pam McGuinness - have
contacted the agency reporting black outs during nights out at local clubs
over the last two months.

While the circumstances and locations vary, all of the women suspect they
were sexually assaulted after having GHB slipped in their drinks, Needoba
said. These cases are only a few of many, she said. Between instances
reported indirectly from friends, or reported to other agencies, Needoba
knows of at least 12 cases since March, where date rape drugs are suspected
to have been used.

Many occurred at house parties, where acquaintances - and in some cases
friends, or boyfriends of the victim - are the suspected culprits, said
Needoba. But as with all sexual assault cases, most go unreported, she said.

"It's such a horrific thing, there's always this doubt about what happened,
this period of confusion," said McGuinness, who is working with a victim
through SOVAS. "(These women) believed they were quite capable and then
found themselves in this position."

Many also worry that if they report that they blacked out, it will be
assumed they were drunk, said McGuinness. Those who do report and press
charges face many challenges, from getting charges approved to having to
re-live the trauma, said McGuinness.

"Having a defense lawyer cross-examine you is hard, they don't hold back.
Their job is to poke holes in your story," she said. "(The victim's)
character is on the line instead of the offender's."