Is Drugging Unspecting Woman on the rise?

Cocktails of household cleaning products and other “designer” drugs are suspected in the sexual assault of at least four area women last year. Each of the women had been at bars or parties prior to losing consciousness and being attacked. It is believed drugs were slipped into their drinks.

One of the victims, a 31-year-old mother of two, was out celebrating New Year’s Day 2004 with a group of about 10 friends. At some point she became separated from the group. She awoke the next morning at Marietta Memorial Hospital with no recollection of what had happened. She claims she only drank a few beers before blacking out.

“I was found back at my apartment, locked in my daughter’s room, naked and covered in bruises and blood,” she said. “I have no idea of how I got home or what happened to me.” Thankfully, she said her children were still with a baby-sitter.

The attack was reported to police, but such attacks are difficult to investigate. And proving facts for prosecution is difficult, too, officials say.

All traces of the drugs typically leave the body within 12 to 72 hours of ingestion and are not found in any routine toxicology screen or blood test. Doctors and police have to be looking specifically for the types of drugs. And victims are generally unable to recall what happened or who they were with.

“It is frustrating that I can’t remember anything,” she said. “But sometimes I think that’s probably the only good thing about all of this ... that I can’t remember.” Hers was the only official report of a date rape drug being used lately, area police said. The remaining cases were reported only to a local sexual assault hotline.

Only one toxicology screen found a date rape drug. It was unclear how many of the victims were screened for the drugs, but it proves the drugs have found their way to the area and that they are being used by sexual predators.

Marietta Police Det. Troy Hawkins said it is important for women to get to a hospital as soon as possible after they suspect being drugged or sexually assaulted. “That’s our best chance for collecting evidence,” Hawkins said.

But there are many reasons why victims may not want to report sexual assaults, said Amy Church, sexual assault coordinator at EVE Inc., a local agency helping abused women. Embarrassment, or being afraid of not being believed, are two of the more common reasons victims choose not to report sexual assaults.

Also, Church said many women often blame themselves for their predicament, especially if they have been out drinking prior to the attack, or if they were out someplace they realize later they should have avoided. “For some, admitting they’ve been drugged and raped might also mean having to disclose something else, like they were drinking while underage,” Church said.

Church said she suspects that many more drug-related sexual assaults are taking place than are being reported. EVE Inc. offered support to 60 area women who said they were raped in 2005. Three of those reports included suspicion of drugs being slipped into drinks, Church said.

The three drugs most commonly used by sexual predators to take advantage of unsuspecting women are Rohypnol, Ketamine, and GHB. The drugs are tasteless, odorless and colorless and can easily be slipped into drinks or food. They most often come in powdered form, but GHB is sometimes administered in a clear liquid form.

Depending on the dose of the drug and how much alcohol a person has had to drink, the drugs can take effect in as little as 15 minutes and last as long as 12 hours. Symptoms include dizziness, disorientation, loss of inhibition and a loss of consciousness. The drugs can also produce amnesia, causing victims to become unclear of what, if any, crime was committed. These drugs are particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol. The drugs typically sell for $5 to $25 per dose. GHB can be made at home with little or no cost.

Rohypnol is a central nervous system depressant, similar to Valium, bu t about 10 times more potent. The drug is illegal in the U.S., but widely available in Europe and Mexico and smuggled into the country. The drug generally comes in pill form and is usually crushed into a powder before being added to a drink or food.

Ketamine is a rapid-acting disassociative anesthetic commonly used by veterinarians. This drug also generally comes in pill form and is usually crushed before being administered by a sexual predator.

GHB is often a “homemade” drug consisting of a combination of chemicals that can be found under most kitchen sinks. Degreasing solvents, floor strippers and drain cleaners are the most common chemicals used to make the drug. It is generally a clear liquid when complete, but can sometimes be found in a white powder form.

“Every time I see a guy as I’m walking to my car I wonder if that could be the guy,” the New Year’s Day victim said. “At this point, the most important thing for me is to just let people know this is happening.”

Church said women can protect themselves from falling victim to date rape drugs by never accepting drinks from strangers or leaving a drink unattended. Also, having a sober friend in a group of friends acting as a “gatekeeper” is a good idea, she said.