The metro reports on spiking and how people are fighting back
In 2021, 2,201 people across England and Wales reported incidents of spiking to the police…
date rape drugs
Understanding the date rape drugs being used and their impact.
BE SAFE – CARRY CYD®
What date rape drugs are used?
Date-rape drugs are substances that make it easier for someone to rape or sexually assault another person.
An attacker can use several kinds of drugs or medications to overpower someone else, or cause them to forget an incident.
The two most common are:
GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid). GHB is a depressant, better known as ‘easy lay’, ‘Georgia home boy’, ‘liquid X’, ‘grievous bodily harm’, ‘Gib’, ‘soap’, and ‘fantasy’.
Ketamine. A drug that makes you feel detached from reality, better known as ‘Special K’, ‘vitamin K’, and ‘cat Valium’.
what do they look like?
GHB is either a liquid or powder. In both forms it has neither taste or smell.
Ketamine is a clear liquid or an off-white powder that’s often injected. You can’t smell or taste it.
date rape drug effects?
GHB can make you feel sleepy, forgetful, or weak. It can cause seizures, slows your heartbeat, slows breathing, and can induce a coma. The effects start in just 15 to 30 minutes and can last 3 to 6 hours.
Ketamine might make you hallucinate, can also cause an upset stomach, vomiting, high blood pressure, and changes in your heart rate, seizures, or a coma. The effects start within 30 minutes and lasts 1 to 2 hours.
how to avoid date rape drugs?
A few tips to help to stay safe.
Pour your own drinks
Don’t use open containers that could be spiked, like punch bowls, and don’t accept drinks from other people.
Keep your drink close by
Keep control of your drink at all times. Carry it yourself, even if you have to take it to the bathroom with you.
Be aware of strange tastes
Don’t drink anything that tastes strange.
Keep your friends close by
And don’t be afraid to tell them if you start to feel odd.
Take the test
Keep the test on you at all times.
HOW TO USE the DRINK SPIKING test?
DAB YOUR FINGER
Dab your finger, straw or stirrer in to the drink.
TWO DROPS
Put a drop on to each of the test patches on the strip.
CHECK THE COLOUR
If the pink patch turns blue, or the yellow patch turns orange then your drink has been compromised.
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what to do?
What should I do if I think I have been drugged and raped?
get help
If you suspect that someone has drugged and assaulted you, call 999 or have someone you trust take you to the hospital.
The authorities will collect any evidence they can, so try not urinate or wash before you go to the hospital.
If you don’t feel able to do that right away, there are Rape Crisis charity helplines you can call for support and advice:
- England and Wales: 0808 802 9999 (12–2.30pm and 7-9.30pm every day)
- Scotland: 0808 801 0302 or text 07537 410 027 (6pm – midnight every day)
- Northern Ireland: 08000 246 991 (Monday and Thursday, 6 – 8pm)
gIVE DETAILS
If you get to the hospital, tell the hospital staff what happened and ask for a urine test as soon as possible.
They can then look for drugs before your body flushes them out.
SEEK Support
No matter how much you drank or what drugs you took, sexual assault is never your fault.
It’s common to go through a range of emotions afterward. Talk to someone you trust or call a support service.
If you, or someone you know, have been affected by crime, including sexual harassment or any sort of sexual harm, help and support is available. Victim Support is an independent charity for victims and witnesses of crime. They offer free, confidential help to anyone who’s been affected by sexual harassment. Call 08 08 16 89 111 or go to Victim Support’s website.
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