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The Devil You Know

Drink spiking statistics reveal victims are likely to know their attackers

By Abby Dinham - 11th February 2003 - Back to News

The Devil You Know

‘After-work drinks’ could soon become a thing of the past, with analysis from drink spiking statistics provoking the question: how well do you know your work colleagues?

Information from the Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) has indicated that over fifty per cent of drink spikers are known by their victims.

The CASA House analysis reveals that the ‘known’ perpetrators were largely categorized as partners, employers, acquaintances, family members, and work colleagues of the victim.

The research also indicated that the majority of drink spiking incidents occurred at private functions, rather than the licensed premises that are being targeted by drug awareness campaigns.

Police have described the analysis as ‘anecdotal evidence’ and refuse to support the findings one way or another.

Manager of the Drug and Alcohol Strategy Unit, Inspector Steve James, says its difficult to tackle these problems in the private arenas and prevention can only be promoted through raising awareness.

"We encourage people to speak out, even if you’re not sure come forward so we can investigate it", he said.

Prescriptive medication, illicit drugs and undetectable alcohols have been reported as tools of drink spiking, the premeditated offence is punishable by up to ten years in prison.

Victorian police urge people to contact the authorities as soon as they suspect themselves to be a victim of a drink spiking crime, in order to maximise the potential for gathering evidence.

"Of course our first priority is to get support for the victim, but it’s also important to try and catch the offender" he said.

Inspector James says it is difficult to determine the number of incidents that have occurred as many go unreported.

"Quite often victims don’t realise that they have been drugged, or in some sexual assault cases the victim may feel ashamed and wont report the crime to police because they believe they contributed to it by drinking alcohol", he said.

For further information or support contact the CASA House Crisis line: 03 9344 2210, or to report a possible offence call 000 or Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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