MINDEN - The Family Support Council is offering training to owners and employees of bars and restaurants on how to recognize whether their customers may have been slipped harmful narcotics known as date-rape drugs.
Orita Keebaugh, a domestic violence and sexual assault caseworker, said in the past few months, she and her colleagues have noticed an alarming rise in the number of women reporting sexual assaults preceded by the apparent ingestion of what they believed to be inexpensive drugs.
"You can buy them on the street at about the same cost as a high-end drink," Keebaugh said. "For about $10, you usually can get two doses."
She said the drugs include Rohypnol, GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid), Ketamine, Oxycontin and Ecstasy.
"We're educating all the bartenders and drink servers in Douglas County on (the drugs') names; street names; and the forms they come in, whether liquid or pills; and the symptoms of each drug," Keebaugh said.
Keebaugh said six date-rape cases have been reported to the Family Support Council since September.
"Most people think of them as a problem in larger cities, and that's true. But we've already had numerous cases in Douglas County, not only at the lake, but at several bars in this area," Keebaugh said.
By training bartenders and drink servers, Keebaugh said caseworkers hope to prevent the incidents.
"We are making it very clear to these people that as drink servers or employers, that they are in no way responsible for date rapes in any shape or form. It's the education we're going for," she said.
"If you have an individual come in you don't know who sits down next to somebody, and you know you've served that woman maybe one or two drinks and she starts slurring her speech, acting confused or drowsy in an hypnotic state, you have an awareness. That gives you an opportunity to walk up to the victim and say, 'How are you doing tonight?' You can address the situation right away," she said.
Indications someone may have been slipped a date-rape drug include if the victim can't remember what happened after she'd been drinking and if she feels like someone has had sex with her without her consent.
Other signs, Keebaugh said, are if the woman awakes feeling very hung over, intoxicated, paralyzed or nauseous.
Keebaugh said it can be challenging to get women to report date rape because the cases can be difficult to prove, or the victim feels responsible.
"These drugs don't stay in the system for more than six or eight hours," she said.
By the time the victim is alert enough to seek medical treatment, the drug may not show up in her system.
"She may be all torn up, and even if the perpetrator is known, all he has to do is claim it was consensual sex and she wanted it rough," Keebaugh said.
"These drugs make the actions of the victims appear voluntary," Keebaugh said. "Under their influence, it feels really good to be touched or to touch. There are instances where people see them leaving together and touching each other, doing all this stuff that makes it appear consensual."
Keebaugh said the awareness training takes 20-30 minutes, and Family Support Council caseworkers will bring the program to restaurants.
"We're really proud of these guys and gals who want us to come in," she said. "These bartenders are looking out and protecting their customers."
PREVENT RAPE
Family Support Council caseworkers say education is the best way to prevent date rape.
• "Limit you consumption," said Orita Keebaugh.
• Don't mix drinks.
• Make arrangements to leave with a friend. "Whether this is the most handsome man in the world, make sure your friend doesn't leave with him," Keebaugh said.
• Never leave drinks unattended
• Always report rapes and attempted rapes
The Family Support Council operates a 24-hour crisis line at 782-8692. To schedule training, contact Keebaugh at 782-8692.
