ADVOCATES WARN OF LINK BETWEEN DRUGS, SEXUAL ASSAULT

Stop Rape Week activities at Florida State University continued
Tuesday night with a workshop on the role of alcohol and drugs in
sexual assault.

Page Purgar, one of five university victims' advocates, led the
discussion in a small classroom at the Oglesby Union. Purgar talked
about university programs to help rape victims, as well as the
potential dangers of drugs and alcohol.

"What I'm here to tell you guys is to use some good judgment," Purgar
said before an audience of several dozen students. "I know it's not
always an easy thing to do."

The workshop was just one of several activities planned by the FSU
Women's Center, which is sponsoring Stop Rape week. The week's
highlight is tonight, when 400 people are expected to participate in a
Take Back the Night march and candlelight vigil around campus.

Purgar told the students that in about 80 percent of sexual assaults,
either the victim or the perpetrator was under the influence of drugs
or alcohol. She also said that under Florida law, people can't consent
to have sex if they are legally intoxicated.

Last year, 77 sexual batteries, 14 sexual assaults and two sexual
misconducts were reported to university officials, according to the
Women's Center.

Purgar spent much of her time Tuesday discussing GHB, a so-called rape
drug that is popular among some young nightclub-goers. The drug is
colorless, odorless and made with common household ingredients such as
paint thinner.

GHB, Purgar said, can cause coma or death. She recalled the story of
an FSU student who took GHB willingly before a party, then wound up
convulsing at a local club.

"She was lucky," said Purgar. "She woke up from her coma about three
days later."