Everyone enjoys a night out and having a drink with friends, but one drink too many can make you vulnerable and at risk of becoming a victim of crime.
The majority of violent crime involves younger people out and about at night over the weekend. As well as assaults, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, alcohol is often a significant factor in a number of reported rapes and sexual assaults.
A recent study by the Association of Chief Police Officers into the circumstances of alleged drug facilitated sexual assault found there was no evidence to suggest widespread use of the date rape drug Rohypnol and only limited traces of GHB were identified. This research reinforced findings of a Hampshire study conducted by Detective Inspector Peter Gallagher which found a surprisingly high number of incidents of rape associated with drinking alcohol. In 40 per cent of cases examined, the use of alcohol was a contributory factor in affecting the normal decision-making process of the victim, and in 15 per cent of all cases, the victim was incoherent through drink at the time of the offence.
By following a few simple steps, you can avoid making yourself vulnerable, especially when drinking on a night out.
Always have a PLAN:
P – Prepare. Know how you are getting home, pre-book a taxi and let someone know where you’re going. Make sure you have enough credit on your mobile phone for emergencies.
L – Look confident. Someone clearly under the influence of alcohol looks more vulnerable.
A – Act to avoid risk. Think twice before accepting drinks from someone you don’t know well and never accept lifts from cruising cars or cabs.
N – Never assume it will never happen to you. Trust your instincts, they are there to warn you of danger.
More details of the ACPO study into alleged drug facilitated rape, named Operation Matisse, can be found on the ACPO website, www.acpo.police.uk
A booklet called 'You and Alcohol and Safety', containing tips for sensible drinking and what to do if you feel at risk is available to download from http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/you-alcohol-safety.
