27th
December 2004
Don’t
Let a Good Night Get Spiked
MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan
McNeil, is warning party-goers to watch out for people spiking their drinks this
Christmas.
Campaigners say hundreds of
people are sexually assaulted each year after their drink is spiked with a
so-called “date rape” drug. But
Mr McNeil says there are some easy steps you can take to minimise the risks:
“It is vitally important
that we protect our young people and ensure they can protect themselves – and
that means making sure they know how to minimise the risks,” Mr McNeil said.
“We need to raise awareness of the problem of spiked drinks and keep
hammering home the message that, if you’re not keeping an eye on your drink,
then someone else might be.”
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh
Henry said:
“I know our police forces
take reported incidences of drug related sexual assault very seriously. But
that is after the event. Dealing
with this problem means raising awareness and stopping incidents happening in
the first place.”
Research has shown that in
over 50% of drug rape cases, the drug was administered through alcohol and 70%
of attackers were known to their victims in some way. The most common drugs include GHB (Gamma Hydroxy Butyric
acid) also known as “liquid ecstasy”; Rohypnol; and Ketamine, or “Special
K.”
ENDS
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