Pubdate: Mon, 19 Feb 2001
Source: Irish Examiner (Ireland)
Copyright: Examiner Publications Ltd, 2001
Contact:  http://www.examiner.ie/
Author: Cormac O'Keeffe

100% RISE IN INCIDENCE OF DRUG RAPE

MORE than 70 people were victims of drug rape last year, an increase of 
100% on 2000, students were told yesterday.

The startling statistics emerged as the national student body, USI, 
launched a campaign to raise awareness of rape involving tranquillising 
drugs such as rohypnol.

"Drug assisted sexual violence has become a major problem in every part of 
the country, and is growing," said Fiona Neary of the network of Rape 
Crisis Centres.

She said that more than 70 victims were likely to have suffered. Drug rape 
is vastly underrated, as most victims are unable to remember what had 
happened to them, she said.

Figures for suspected drug rapes reported to the main RCCs last year show 
there were:

* 20 30 cases in Dublin. * 15 cases in Cork. * 11 cases in Limerick. * Nine 
cases in Galway. * Five cases in Kerry. * Four cases in Waterford. * Four 
cases in Dundalk.

RCC head of clinical services Geraldine Connolly said the incidence of drug 
rape had grown in recent years. "It has emerged to such an extent that from 
this year on we will include it as part of our official statistics. Last 
year we estimate we had 20 30 cases."

A counsellor at the Limerick RCC, Ingrid Wallace, said the number of drug 
rapes had doubled from five in 1999 to 11 in 2000, a trend seen in other 
regions. "It's definitely a problem, and the worse thing is the trauma to 
the victim.

"There is total loss of memory and uncertainty as to what happened, apart 
from knowing sex was involved," she said.

Susanne Bonner of Galway RCC believes the incidence of drug rape is 
seriously underreported. "Legally, it is very difficult to prove. If the 
victim doesn't get a blood test within 48 72 hours, the drug will be gone 
from her bloodstream," she said. Sheila Vereker of the Waterford RCC, said 
that while the rise in drug rapes was alarming, alcohol still remained the 
drug most associated with sexual violence.

The USI campaign will run over the coming weeks to coincide with college 
rag weeks, a period associated with heavy drinking.

"From talking to students it is clear that although many are aware of the 
subject, very little is known about it," said USI welfare officer Alison 
Gibney.

USI officers will place stickers with the warning Could this drink have 
been spiked? on glasses and hand out leaflets containing information about 
rape drugs.

A Department of Health committee, investigating the prescription of 
benzodiazepines -- a family of drugs that includes rohypnol -- is expected 
to report by the middle of this year.
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