Date rape

Date rape is when someone puts drugs in your drink in order to take advantage of you when your senses are distorted by the drugs.

Here are some measures you can take to prevent yourself from being a victim of date rape.

• Never leave a drink unattended
• Don't accept drinks from strangers. Even if workmates or acquaintances offer you a drink make sure you see it either poured or opened in front of you and ensure that no one touches it except the barman prior to drinking it
• Remember - Date rape drugs are tasteless, odourless and colourless, although one type has a blue dye added to it. This takes almost 20 minutes to develop, will not show up in red wine, cola or any other dark drinks or be visible in a coloured glass bottle
• Date rape drugs can be used in any type of drink, not just alcohol. Tea, coffee, milk, milkshakes and cola have all been spiked with date rape drugs in the past
• You know your own body - if you feel strange and know you are not drunk, it's possible you've been spiked. You have less than 20 minutes to get yourself to a place of safety. If you are with a friend tell them what you fear, ask them to call a taxi and accompany you home. If you suspect the person with you, speak to the bar manager, ask them to phone a friend, family member or the police so that you can be taken home safely
• There are some products on the market that allow you to test your drink or urine for date rape drugs (see Drink Detective). However, they don't detect all types of date rape drugs

If you're worried about date rape, you can find more information from the following organistions:

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Rape Crisis