Drink spiking

Drink spiking - how does it happen?
A common pattern has begun to occur, similar to the situation outlined below:

A woman is in what appears to be a comfortable social setting such as a party, bar or nightclub and has something to drink. without her knowing, someone slips something into her drink. She drinks it and soon begins to look and feel disorientated and very drunk. A man then offers to escort the woman from the venue and because the victim of a spiked drink may look like she is fully compliant, others might think he is rescuing the woman and taking her to a safe place. Several hours later, she wakes up. She may be at home, or in a strange bed. She may be unsure if she has been sexually assaulted, or there may be clear indications such as clothing removed, bruising, semen stains or vaginal soreness.

Many women raped under the influence of drugs are unsure whether or not they were raped, because they have little or no memory of the event. Consequently, they may not consider reporting to the police, which means that the offender may get away with repeated episodes.

Signs you may have been drugged

You feel far more intoxicated than the amount of alcohol consumed.
You wake up disorientated and with a memory lapse.
You think/feel someone may have had sex with you but you can't remember it.

Reducing your risk

Keep your drink with you at all times. Watch it, or ask a friend you can really trust to watch your drink if you move away.
If you leave your drink unattended while dancing, making a phone call or visiting the bathroom, throw it away.
Watch bar staff as they make your drink.
Be aware that because these drugs may be tasteless and/or colourless, you may not be immediately aware that anything unusual has been added to your drink.
Refuse drinks from open containers and remember that wide-mouthed glasses are easier targets.
Recognise that even in "shouts" with trusted friends, drinks could be spiked by others.
Don't taste, share or exchange drinks with others.
Leave your drink if it tastes strange.
Realise excessive alcohol/drugs can distort your judgement and make you more vulnerable.
Only accept a drink from someone you know well and trust, unless you open it yourself.
Watch out for your friends and stay together.
Be aware of the behaviour of your friends. If a friend looks disproportionately intoxicated to the number of drinks she has had, take steps to ensure her safety.
Tell others about the high-risk venues where drinks have been known to be spiked with drugs.

What to do if it happens to you ...

Go to a safe place.
Call a family member or trusted friend to stay with you and assist in getting the help you need.
Consider reporting to the Police as soon as possible and having a forensic medical examination.
Save any materials such as drink glass, clothing etc. Do not urinate or shower, as evidence could be lost which may be valuable in assisting you to prove any charges.
Go to a hospital, or private doctor for medical care. There could be a threat of STD, HIV or pregnancy.
Request urine test to screen for presence of sedating substances.
Write down any details you can remember.
Phone your nearest Sexual Assault Service for support and information.