Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
Preventing Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
Keeping an eye on your drink and being wary of people around you are important, but possibly most important is keeping an eye on yourself. How much you drink is the one risk factor that you have 100 percent control over. This doesn't mean that you should never go out and have a few drinks, but it's important that you are aware that this crime exists.
If you are going to drink, keep an eye on yourself and your friends. If you're worried about getting into an uncomfortable situation with someone, tell your friends how you feel and ask them to keep an eye on you. And if at any time you feel intoxicated to the point that you may pass out, consider your setting and the people you are with. It might be a good idea to get a ride home with a trusted and sober friend. If that's not an option and you have to sleep around others (such as at someone's house after a party, a hotel room, etc.), ask people you trust to keep an eye on you if you pass out.
Keep an eye out for signs that your drink has been spiked, such as feeling "way too drunk" or being really drowsy. Remember, these drugs take effect very quickly and you should get help immediately.
Some drug-facilitated sexual assaults might start out harmlessly enough as flirting. Decide how far you'd like to go with someone beforehand and be assertive if you ever feel like you've gone too far. Keep in mind, it shouldn't be a victim's responsibility to prevent themselves from being sexually assaulted, and sexual assault is never a victim's fault. Still, this advice can help lower the risks. Flirting with someone is not an invitation for sex, nor do you "owe" them something. You always have the right to change your mind about how you feel about someone.
Prevention tips
- Limit alcoholic drinks to a maximum of 1 or 2 per hour
- Be wary of opened alcoholic beverages offered by strangers or male acquaintances, and open bottles yourself or observe the bartender doing so.
- Avoid drinking from punch bowls - you don't know what's been added.
- If your opened beverage looks, smells or tastes strange don't drink it.
- Watch your drink - if you leave it unattended to go dancing or to the washroom, consider buying a new one.
- If you feel giddy or light headed, really drowsy or "too drunk", get assistance from a friend. If a stranger offers to help escort you from the bar, club or party, this could be someone who wants to take advantage of your state.
- If you arrived with friends, check on each other before you split up later.
- If you think you or one of your friends has been drugged, get help.
- Use a buddy system: you keep an eye out on your friends and they keep an eye out on you.
- Have a designated driver who can leave a party or establishment with you at any time.
Last Modified: September 5, 2006
