Rape Drug Committee working to prevent drug-related sexual assault

 

The Renfrew County Rape Drug Committee was formed in January 2003 after 12 cases of drug-related sexual assault were reported in Renfrew County in 2002, and it was suspected that many more incidents are not reported.

 

In 2004, the Renfrew County Rape Drug Committee, in partnership with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit and Renfrew County FOCUS Community Project continued its efforts to increase awareness about drug-facilitated sexual assault and to educate the public about prevention strategies. Our communication campaign included the following activities:

 

Ø      A manual for training bar staff was developed. It includes a short presentation for bar servers about the main types of rape drugs (Rohypnol, GHB and alcohol), how they are used to facilitate sexual assault, how to prevent the use of these drugs and intervention strategies. Bar staff at three licensed establishments received the training. Feedback was positive, and the training will continue to be offered.

 

Ø      Three posters were developed, to increase awareness of the dangers of drug-related sexual assault. The posters were launched at six licensed establishments during the week of January 26 – 30, 2004. At the launch events the posters were unveiled, and the bar staff training was promoted. In conjunction with the launches, posters were distributed to licensed establishments, high schools, fitness centers and a variety of community locations throughout Renfrew County.

 

Ø      A sticker was developed, with the message “Rape drugs are invisible.” Five thousand stickers were distributed through high schools, sexual assault centres, clothing stores for young women and community events. A pamphlet about drug facilitated sexual assault was available at locations distributing the stickers.

 

Ø      In December, a news release was distributed to local newspapers reminding of the dangers of drug related sexual assault.