DATE-RAPE DRUG TEST STRIPS A GREAT IDEA

Editorial - As younger and younger students head off for post-secondary
education, it's no surprise parents are concerned about the safety of their
offspring.

One of their biggest fears, especially for parents of daughters, is
date-rape, and now that fear has a newer, scarier dimension: date-rape drugs
like Rohypnol, GHB or Ketamine. These drugs are used to render someone
comatose, and will even wipe out one's memory of what they experience while
under the influence.

Making matters worse is the fact these drug can't be detected in the blood
stream after four hours, and can't be detected in urine after 12 hours.
Women who have been raped under the influence of a date-rape drug have no
recollection of the event, and instead rely on a physical change to gain
knowledge of the assault. By the time they realize what has happened, the
evidence of the drug is long gone.

For many, going to college or university is their first time away from home,
a time to drink to excess without worrying about going home to mom or dad's
reaction. With their inhibitions down, and for some, with little experience
with alcohol or drugs under their belts, they are at greater risk to
unknowingly receive Rohypnol.

Fortunately, many already know the mantra to follow: don't leave your drink
unattended, and don't accept a drink from strangers. Unfortunately,
inebriated teens aren't too careful where they leave their drinks, and may
not be too careful about who they accept drinks from. Even more unfortunate
is the fact date-rape is often committed by someone known to and trusted by
the victim. Listen to a group of women discussing their experiences with
sexual violation, and you may be surprised not only by the number of stories
they have to tell, but also by the fact that frequently the violators had
been considered trustworthy in their crowd.

All too aware of the risk of date-rape, St. Mary's University has acted to
protect its students. Included in frosh kits given to about 800 first year
students were drink coasters containing test strips for the date-rape drugs.
Students were advised to dip their finger or a straw in their drink and rub
the liquid on the strip. A change of colour (to blue, red or green)
indicated presence of the drug.

Though the science is apparently debatable, the awareness it raises is a
sure thing. The presence of the date-rape drug is on the rise, and it is
known to be on the streets in the Quinte area.

The sooner an accurate, inexpensive test strip is available to all, the
better. People who use date-rape drugs are fearful cowards. Let's make them
even more afraid.