MARK LAWRENCE Sunday, August 6 2006

Many unsuspecting female party-goers have recently fallen prey to drug wielding sexual predators who frequent nightclubs and social drinking establishments. With the nation averaging 82 rapes per year for the last five years, the increased incidence of this drug facilitated sexual assault in Trinidad and Tobago has now become a major concern of many individuals and organisations.

“This type of rape is a reality in Trinidad. It happens alot more often than is reported,” said Cherese Clarke, social worker at the Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad and Tobago.

According to accounts given by the friends of victims and near-victims, the predator utilises opportunities, when an individual (female) loses sight of her drink, to place a dissolvable drug, usually Rohypnol, GHB or Ketamine, into the glass. The unsuspecting victim then loses all social inhibitions within minutes of sipping their drink, allowing the predator to take full advantage.

In an interview with Sunday Newsday Clarke highlighted the issue saying that the society has received numerous reports but several factors prevent widespread awareness of the horrendous act. Clarke explained: “Several victims can’t recall details because of the drug while many other cases are not reported to the police. This is in addition to the general insensitivity of the police.”

One counsellor at Families in Action offered an additional explanation for the relative absence of official reports.

“This sort of activity comes mainly from the affluent circles. These people tend to be even more ashamed and have the resources to cover it up,” said the counsellor.

Of 12 pharmacies throughout Trinidad and Tobago most indicated that they no longer import the traditional “date rape” drugs while the one which stocks Rohypnol (which has been banned in many states in North America) had not received any, “for some time.” Rohypnol is a sedative used for insomnia.

These drugs are reportedly only given to those with prescriptions but despite this hindrance the Families in Action counsellor expressed his view that wealthy individuals can gain access to these drugs with some ease when compared to less affluent persons.

Former Junior Health Minister, Opposition MP and Medical Doctor, Fuad Khan, had been an advocate for the awareness of drug facilitated sexual assault.

Regarding the prevalence of the offence Khan told Sunday Newsday, “people should not accept drinks from anyone, even their good friends. Some bartenders, bouncers and club owners are in this thing...

“Based on the drugs these girls lose self control and many are being gang raped and pick up sexually transmitted diseases,” added Khan.

He went on to warn females, especially those who return home from foreign universities, that during the party-filled summer they should beware of sexual predators of this nature. He also made a call for patrons to put pressure on club and bar owners to put preventative measures in place.

According to an official statement by the Rape Crisis Society, “survivors of rape report a growing trend of minimising the crime of rape. Many members of the public dismiss the physical and psychological trauma of rape.”

Statistics supplied by the Society indicate that during the past five years 412 persons have been raped, 160 of which were raped by a date or acquaintance, while 138 were raped by unknown assailants. These statistics do not include the many persons who, for various reasons, do not report rape attacks.