Being 'slipped a Mickey' can happen to anyone - but solo females tend to be targeted more often. A typical scenario might be a young woman who walks into a bar alone and a stranger offers to buy her a drink. She accepts, excuses herself to use the bathroom, and then returns to finish the drink. Later she wakes up in a dark alley, disorientated and dishevelled, with her bag and money missing - and a sickening feeling that she has been physically violated.
Travelling is fun and enlightening, so it is a shame that we have to worry about the dark side of life and the possibility of being preyed upon on holiday. However, a savvy traveller who is aware and alert to potential dangers is already halfway to keeping criminals at bay. Unfortunately, drink spiking and drug-assisted robberies are increasing problems in many parts of the world, especially in some cities and popular tourist spots. The motive for the assault may be robbery, rape, sexual assault - or a combination. It can happen to women or men of any age.
If assaulted while travelling abroad victims may feel too scared to tell anyone but it is important to advise the embassy, local police, or obtain legal advice. Once help is sought, counsellors can offer advice about sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and abortion. The assault must be reported quickly so that forensic evidence is not lost and urine and blood samples can be taken. DNA evidence may identify a predator, or provide a record which could be used in a future conviction. The more time that passes, the less chance there is of the drugs being detected - or of a false-negative result.
Commonly used date-rape drugs usually have no taste, odour, or colour and are hard to detect once dissolved in a drink. The drugs also work in coffee, tea and other non-alcoholic drinks, as well as food. However, alcoholic drinks are the most commonly used method because of the powerful added sedative effect.
There are many drugs and substances in use, but the three most common date-rape drugs are GHB, Rohypnol, and Ketamin - which also have many street names. They can pose serious health risks, coma, and even death - especially if allergies are a factor or when mixed with prescription medicines.
Rohypnol - Is hard to detect and the effects can last about eight hours. Urine tests detect the presence of Rohypnol for several days and hair analysis may reveal the presence of a substance for a longer period. GHB - Is invisible and odourless when dissolved in alcohol or soft drinks, but a salty taste can sometimes be detected. Ketamin - Is a fast-acting drug which comes as a clear liquid or a white powder - similar to cocaine.
There is no way to guarantee it will never happen to you, but some basic awareness and education - as well as taking responsibility for your own safety - can really help. The internet is packed with information and there are products on the market, such as the Drink Detective which can detect the three most commonly used drugs. Drink Safe Technologies offer drug testing kits and coasters. Alcotops cover Alcopops and most beer bottles.
Binge drinking is an increasing problem and can produce a similar effect to being drugged. Alcohol in large amounts (or even small amounts for some people) can cause loss of inhibitions, acting out-of-character, and blackouts - and subsequently set you up as an easy target.
If you believe you have been the victim of a date-rape it is important to seek medical attention without delay. Don't bathe, brush your teeth, urinate, wash your hands, change clothes, or eat or drink until you have been examined. Hospitals use rape kits and it is vital that as much evidence as possible is preserved. Although feelings of shame and embarrassment may prompt a victim to want to remove all traces of an assault, it is important to resist the urge to clean up, wash drinking glasses or launder clothing, sheets and towels.
Another issue to consider is that related travel insurance claims may be invalidated if intoxication is found to be a factor.
The phrase to 'slip a Mickey' has been attributed to a Chicago bartender named 'Mickey Finn' who drugged and robbed his customers. The subject has also been included in a Star Trek film and at least two Bond movies, as well as the Bugs Bunny cartoon 'Hare Remover' where Elmer Fudd tries to do away with the 'wabbit' once and for all. But that's Hollywood. In Disney cartoons the characters endure horrific assaults and injuries, but emerge unscathed. The real world, where real people get hurt - physically and emotionally - is nothing to joke about. Don't become a victim, waking up in hospital battered and bruised - with no memory of what happened - saying, "What's up Doc?"
Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for Travel Insurance Agencies Ltd who offer great deals on UK Travel Insurance and Travel Insurance for residents of Eire.
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