DRINK SPIKING

Drink spiking offences occur when a substance, such as Rohypnol or GBH, is secreted into a victim’s drink causing them to lose proper control of their physical functions and possible short-term memory. Once a victim is under the influence of the drug they become more vulnerable.

Nationally incidents of drink spiking are believed to be under reported. There is no specific category for the Police to record incidents of drink spiking, which makes it difficult to determine the extent and nature of offences. Side effects such as memory loss can mean victims are unable to recall the details of the offence, or may be unaware that they have been drugged at all. This can act as a barrier preventing victims from feeling confident to report incidents.

Whilst females are usually the main victims of drink spiking offences, the Roofie Foundation, a national victim support group, report that 12% of the offences reported on their help line are from male victims.

Precautions - help to reduce the risk of consuming "date rape" drugs:

• Don’t drink beverages that you did not open yourself
• Don't exchange or share drinks with anyone
• Don't take a drink from a punch bowl
• Don't drink from a container being passed around
• If someone offers you a drink from a bar at a club or a party, accompany the person to the bar to order the drink, and watch the drink being poured. Carry the drink yourself

• Don't leave your drink unattended, especially when talking, dancing, using the toilet or making a phone call

• Don't drink anything that has an unusual taste or appearance, like a "salty" taste or unexplained residue
• If you realise that your drink has been left unattended, discard it
• Don't mix drugs and alcohol; when drugs are mixed with alcohol, the results can be lethal