Drink safe: spike the spikers
How many times have you accepted a drink from someone you barely knew? How often have you shared a drink with somebody? Have you ever left your drink while you had a dance or a chat or just nipped to the loo? Even once may be one time too many.
Draping your arms around your loved one's neck in Park End is not easy with a bottle of VK in hand, nor is dancing wildly to I am the One and Only in Filth, yet with more than 450 people a year, in the Midlands alone, becoming victims to drink spiking and drug assisted rape, perhaps the inconvenience is worth it.
Despite attempts all over the country to curb the escalating problem of drink spiking, the number of incidents reported continues to increase year after year, and it is undisputable that hundreds more go unreported, owing to the unfortunate and unnecessary stigma attached to the issue.
Drink spikers are largely opportunists, and thus the sheer volume of college bars, cocktail events, pubs and clubs in Oxford makes for a perfect venue for attackers. Hundreds of unattended drinks, communal punch bowls, and drunken students all add up to a field day for potential attackers.
In 2003, according to the Roofie Foundation, which campaigns against drug assisted rape, there were 450 reported drug assisted rapes in the Midlands, which is a worrying rise of 144 from 2001.
Why then, in the face of these statistics, are so many students in Oxford so unaware or so unwilling to accept what a big problem this is and take responsibility for their own personal well-being?
Out of 50 students surveyed by The OxStu about the problem of drink spiking, 37 people said that they believed Oxford was much safer than other big cities in England, despite having no explanation for this when asked.
It is the classic example of "it will never happen to me", yet nine of the people, nearly 20 per cent who were questioned, admitted to knowing someone personally who had had their drink spiked whilst in Oxford.
Absolutely anyone can be victim to having their drink spiked, it can happen in any place and at any time, and the only real way to protect yourself is to keep your drink with you at all times whether in a busy club or an intimate house party. Symptoms include impaired memory and judgement, drowsiness, loss of motor skills, dizziness, confusion, extreme intoxication despite limited alcohol intake and eventually loss of consciousness.
The issue was highlighted by a student from St Peter's College who was recently the unfortunate victim of drink spiking. Thankfully, he was surrounded by friends who recognised that something was wrong. The male student, who declined to be named, told The OxStu: "People should be much more careful about what they do with their drinks, as anyone can have their drink spiked, male or female."
This growing problem has sparked a range of products hitting the market, aimed at reducing the risks of drink spiking and the damage that it can cause.
One such device available is a DIY pocket testing kit, which indicates in 30 seconds whether a drink has been tampered with. The sachets reveal traces of benzodiazepines, GHB and ketamine, three drugs that are commonly used in the spiking of drinks. However, the kits do not test for other drugs such as Rohypnol and excess alcohol.
Another device that is soon to be available is the 'alcotop'. Designed by parents, Nicci and Dean Welsh, they fit over the top of alcopop and beer bottles. At a pound each, they are also spill-proof, re-usable, and brightly coloured, thus drawing people's attention to them.
The invention of the alcotop was prompted when the Welshs' 17-year-old son had his drink spiked with what was thought to be Rohypnol and was subsequently robbed, whilst on a night out. Nicci Welsh told The OxStu: "These atrocities cause a great deal of damage to people. It has taken him until now, more than a year on, to get over it completely and we wanted to try to prevent such an appalling thing happening to anyone else."
Although only 36 per cent of the students asked by The OxStu said that they would consider buying alcotops, the reaction from the pubs and clubs around Oxford has been much more positive with The Kings Arms, The Turf Tavern, Bar Med, The Purple Turtle and Park End all stating that they would definitely consider selling them behind the bar. The Assistant Manager at The Turf told The OxStu: "We are vigilant in checking anything out of the ordinary. We would certainly consider alcotops in the future. They sound like a marvellous idea". The idea is also being considered in college bars. Captain Mike Sauvage, Domestic Bursar at Wadham College, said "I would have no objection in principle to purchasing a small number and putting them behind the bar to see if they sell".
Although people commonly relate drink spiking to date rape, it is also associated with theft of the victim's posessions. In today's society it is a sad truth that it is necessary to be extra cautious when out at night no matter where you are and no matter whose company you are in.
Catherine Wallis, OUSU VP (Women), urges students to be careful: "Drink spiking doesn't just occur in nightclubs, it could take place in your college bar, at a friend's party or anywhere. If you are concerned that you may have been a victim of drink-spiking, you can contact OUSU's Student Advice Service, who will be able to advise you on what steps you can take."
For more information or advice about drink spiking and drug assisted rape you can contact one of the following helplines:
OUSU Student Advice Service: http://www.ousu.org/main/advice
Roofie Foundation 24 hour Helpline: 0800 783 2980
29th Apr 2004