Drink Spiking and How to Avoid It

Author: Mike Massen

Drink spiking can happen to anyone and can have a devastating effect, the spiking can be with a view to sexually assaulting the victim or just simply a way of mugging someone for their wallet or valuables.

The myth that drink-spike victims pass out is just that and most victims are conscious through out their ordeal but with limited recall the following day.

In an attempt to negate this heinous crime here are some of the most frequently asked questions about drink spiking and what to do if you feel that you have been a victim of such.

How do I know if my drink has been spiked?

Everyone is aware of their personal tolerance to alcohol so if you feel odd, nauseous, tipsy or wasted and you know that you cannot be drunk, it is possible that your drink has been spiked with either drugs or alcohol.

• Loss more than you would normally associate with the level of drink consumed.

• Waking up in a strange place and not being sure how you got there.

• Finding evidence of sexual activity that you don’t remember taking place.

• Finding evidence of robbery or unaccounted missing items including cash and credit cards.

How can I prevent having my drink spiked?

• Trust no-one and never accept an open drink from a stranger.
• Drink from tamper-proof cans or bottles if you can.
• Never drink dis-guarded or left over drinks
• Don’t put your drink down or let it out of your sight especially going out for a cigarette or even going to the loo.

Under no circumstances let a stranger or acquaintance offer to help you or take you anywhere including to your own home – they could well be the person who spiked your drink!

If you are sexually assaulted or raped after you have been drugged it is still an offence and you should immediately report the matter to the police.

You will not be prosecuted for drug-taking and will be treated as a normal rape victim.It is very important that you visit your doctor or a GUM Clinic, as you have no proof that the rapist used a condom. Therefore in addition to the need for a morning-after pill, you must never forget the risk of aids or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Also give yourself a financial health check. These drugs sometimes act as truth drugs and under their effect you may divulge financial information such as pin numbers or bank and credit card details.

When going to the police:

• Do not wash or shower, although this will be your natural reaction, as the forensic evidence may be vital to your case.
• Keep separate any clothes you were wearing and don’t wash them as, again, the police may be able to obtain forensic evidence from them.
• You can ask a friend or family member to accompany you to the station – you don’t have to go on your own.
• Preferably contact the specialist officers dealing with rape and sexual abuse, and insist that they take blood and urine samples, it could prove to be vital forensic evidence.

In order to establish a case it is vital that the police have the opportunity to take these samples as soon as possible as the drugs used in DFSA pass through the system very quickly (some within 12 hours others in 48). It is also advisable to make sure you are accompanied by a friend, relation or even better, a solicitor.

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted it is a criminal offence for your name, photograph or any other details about you to be published so you don’t have to worry about anyone finding out what has happened to you.

Remember though, your drink doesn’t have to be spiked for you to be taken advantage of; even if you are drunk without your drink being spiked it is still rape even if you consent.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-health-articles/drink-spiking-and-how-to-avoid-it-1762023.html

About the Author:

Mike Massen is a practising solicitor with Gartons Solicitors Leeds – 0113 2310766, mmassen@gartonsolicitors.co.uk www.gartonsolicitors.co.uk. Gartons provide quality legal service in the following areas: accident claims, employment disputes, buying and selling property, criminal injury claims, sexual abuse claims and licensing.

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