Recently, there have been an increased number of reports from individuals who have been sexually assaulted after having drugs slipped into their drinks. Some of the drugs misused for the purpose of sexual assault can cause victims to become sedated, lose consciousness and have memory loss.

"Sexual assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature imposed by one person upon another”. “Sexual assault of any kind is a crime, even in a marriage or a dating relationship” (Sexual Assault: What It Means, Ontario Women’s Directorate, 1992).

Remember, any substance may be misused for the purpose of sexual assault.  This can include when someone drinks alcohol or when someone has voluntarily taken an illegal substance such as ecstasy.

• Rohypnol    (Street Names: Roofies, Roachies, LaRocha, forget pill, rope, robinal, R-2, Rib)
• Halcion       (Street Name: Halcion)
• GHB            (Street Names: Liquid E, Liquid G, Easy Lay, Gook, Grievous Bodily Harm, Liquid X)
• Ketamine    (Street Names: Special K, Kit Kat, Ketaset)
• Ecstasy        (Street Names: E, MDM, MDMA)

1. Avoid alcohol or limit your alcohol consumption.
2. Watch your drinks at all times and keep your drink with you.
3. Don’t take drinks from anyone, get your own drinks, and open your own drinks.
4. Stay with your friends.
5. Know how your body reacts to alcohol & drugs.
6. Tell people where you’re going & when you expect to be home.
7. Check in with home or friends when you get to your destination.  Call home before leaving the party to let people know you are leaving the party and when they can expect you home.
8. Know the signs and symptoms for sexual assault drugs.Some of the effects you might feel are dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness.
9. If you or your friends experience dizziness, confusion, or drowsiness call someone you trust or go directly to the hospital.

• Go directly to St. Joseph’s Urgent Care Centre before 10 pm, or contact the Sexual Assault Team by calling 646-6100 ext. 64224 (8:00 am to 4:00 p.m.) or 646-6100 ext. 64227 (after 4:00 p.m.).
• Call Sexual Assault Centre London, 24-hour Crisis Line at 438-2272 (24 hours) or the administration line at 439-0844 (9-5 weekdays).
• Oxford County residents may call Sexual Assault Line-Oxford 539-4811 or 1-800-265-1938.
• Elgin County residents may call Violence Against Women, Services Elgin County at 633-0155 or  1-800-265-4305 (24 hours, 7 days a week).
• Go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department.
• Call your local police department or 911 for emergency assistance.

Sources: “Sexual Assault: What It Means”, Ontario Women’s Directorate, 1992; Protect Against Drugs Being Slipped Into Your Drink” adapted with permission from the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit;