Festive Rape Danger

December 31, 2007

Article from:

Reporter Maria Rae

New Year's Eve rape victims in Tasmania have been urged by sexual assault counsellors to get forensic testing done immediately.  Sexual Assault Support Services head Karen Jones said New Year's Eve was a danger period as offenders took advantage of binge drinkers.

"Drink spiking is very high at this time of year too," she said. "Sometimes people aren't even aware they've been assaulted because they pass out."  Ms Jones said support services were often hit with an influx of victims weeks after the festive season ended when people got over the shock. "A lot of people try to put it behind them," she said.  But she encouraged people to seek help earlier so forensic evidence could be gathered.

Ms Jones said victims did not have to go through the criminal process straight away as evidence could be stored for up to three months.  "They might feel differently in a week or two," she said.  "Our evidence is that most people don't forget about it."  Taking action also could prevent repeat offenders from striking again.  "If they're not doing it for themselves, they do it for someone else," she said.

Ms Jones warned revellers to stick together in a group and know who would give them a lift home.  "Try to stay together for the whole night," she advised.  "If your friends start acting a bit strange, then they might be drugged.  "A lot of women we get here have one glass of champagne and they've been knocked out."

Ms Jones said most drink spiking was done as a prank to get a laugh out of someone who was out of control.  The real danger, she said, was the person lurking in the background who stepped in to help out.

Spiking did not only happen with alcohol and support services had seen clients who had their coffee laced.  "It's really important that, whatever happens, it's not the person's fault," Ms Jones said.  "Everyone's entitled to go out and have a good time."

Anyone who is the victim of an assault should contact Sexual Assault Support Services on 6231 1817.