Your night out
There are several things you can do on a night out to help protect yourself and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of rape or assault:
Before you go out:
- Make sure that someone knows where you are going and what time you will be home.
- Arrange your journey to and from home. If planning to come home by taxi, always try to pre book a car with a taxi firm you have used before and trust.
- When going to a pub, club or party avoid going alone. Friends can watch out for each other.
During the evening:
- Alcohol affects your actions, reactions and your ability to be alert. Try to stay aware of what's going on around you, and stay away from situations that you don't feel comfortable with.
- Appoint somebody who will not be drinking alcohol (perhaps the designated driver) as a "drinks-watcher".
- Look after your drinks. NEVER:
- accept a drink from someone you don't completely trust
- drink leftover drinks, or drinks discarded by someone else
- share or swap drinks
- leave your drink unattended, even to go to the loo
- drink a drink that you have left unattended, even if it was only for a moment.
- Remember - even if you're not drinking alcohol, you need to be just as aware of the risks. There are also reports of victims being spiked in tea, coffee, milk shakes, and fizzy drinks.
At the end of the evening:
- Think very carefully whether you should leave the pub, club or party with someone you've just met
- Don't accept a lift home with somebody you have only just met
- Try to travel with friends if possible
- If you have booked a taxi to take you home, ensure the car you ordered is the one you get into
- Sit in the rear of the vehicle and carry a mobile phone or shriek alarm.
Contacts
The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
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Based on information supplied by The Roofie Foundation.
Website: www.roofie.com. Helpline service: 0800 783 2980.
