Drug Rape / Drink Spiking

Drug Rape
Drug rape is becoming a more common assault on both men and women, but predominantly aimed at women. It involves the use of drugs to incapacitate a person, making them vulnerable to serious sexual assaults and rape.

The most common drugs used by perpetrators of this crime are Rohypnol (Roofies) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). They are both high-powered sedatives that can knock people out, make them unable to walk, cause amnesia or put them in a coma. Both can be deadly if mixed with alcohol or taken in high dosages.

Rohypnol is the brand name for flunitrazepam manufactured by Hoffman-LaRoche. It is similar to such familiar drugs as Librium, Xanax and Valium, but Rohypnol is 10 times stronger than Valium. It is colourless and odourless, so people can be drugged, even with a glass of water, and not know it.

If you think you may have been the victim of a rape involving drugs, it is important that you report the matter immediately to the police. This will ensure that any evidence of the offence is preserved and professional help is provided.

Advice to prevent this type of crime is quite simple:
"It doesn't matter what you drink, If you didn't pour it or open it, don't drink it, and don't take your eyes off your drink for a moment."

Further information and advice is available through the STAR project (Surviving Trauma After Rape)*  and also from the Leeds Drug Action Team website.*

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Drink Spiking

• Never accept a drink from someone you don't know.
• Use a specially adapted cover for your glass or bottle.
• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Plan your night out if you can.
• Appoint a drink watcher if you go to the toilet or off for a dance.
• Remember alcohol effects your reactions; you'll be less alert.
• Don't feel that soft drinks aren't spiked…they are!
• If you think for one moment that your drink has been tampered with, don't take a chance. Get another one.
• And remember, males also fall victim to this type of offence.

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* Disclaimer
Please note that by accessing external links you will be leave the West Yorkshire Police website. West Yorkshire Police are not responsible for the quality, accuracy or content of external websites.