New nail polish detects date rape drugs

SOCIAL media have been astir with reports of a new nail polish that can presumably detect the presence of date rape drugs in drinks.

All one needs to do is inconspicuously stir your drink with your finger, and if your drink has been spiked with a date rape drug your polish will change colour. The innovative warning system was developed by four male undergraduate engineering students from North Carolina State University.

By mixing advanced chemistry with traditional cosmetics Tyler Confrey-Maloney, Stephen Gray, Ankesh Madan and Tasso Von Windheims could empower women to protect themselves against common date rape drugs, such as Rohypnol, Xanax, and GHB, as these colourless, tasteless and odourless drugs are generally undetectable.

Prevention

Authorities have, however, warned women not to rely completely on the new polish as a means of prevention, as the product won’t be able to detect all of the date rape drugs. Michelle Smith, a trauma counsellor at the Jess Foord Foundation suggested that the safest prevention method is a buddy system. “Never go to a club or party alone. That could put you in a vulnerable position. Go with a group of friends, or go with another female friend, so that the two of you can watch each other’s backs,” she said.

She also suggested that should you suspect that you have been drugged you should immediately locate and tell your friend. It is also a good idea to tell people where you are going and to have a friend or relative on speed dial, should something go wrong. Lt France Mkhize, the communications officer at the Hillcrest SAPS, echoed Smith’s sentiments. He urged women to remain vigilant at all times, and to mix or pour their own drinks. “If you suspect that you have been drugged report it to a friend immediately, so that she can take you to a safe place,” he said.

Stereotypes

Smith added that common misconceptions about rape could facilitate rape or place women in vulnerable positions. “People think that rape only occurs at clubs or parties where there are a lot of drinking, but this notion is false.Women can fall victim to date rapists anywhere – such as a coffee date,” she said.

She also argued that there is also a false notion that women have to be drunk in order to be susceptible to date rape drugs. “This is also completely false, women can be drugged after drinking one alcoholic drink, a non alcoholic drink, such as soda or even water,” said Smith.

She also added, “The face of rape has changed. We are constantly warned against stranger danger, but in most of the date rape cases the victims are sexually assaulted by people that they know and trust.”

What to do if the worst happens?

If your drink has been spiked chances are that you would feel dizzy or disorientated. A majority of the victims reported feeling dizzy before being date raped, explained Smith.

Chris Botha, Netcare 911 spokesman also warned that people react differently to the various drugs. “There really is no common symptom to report. It depends on the person and the drug that was consumed. The symptoms vary greatly,” he said.

Botha also warned that medicine and the amount of alcohol that the person has consumed would speed up the effects of the date rape drugs. Women are, thus, urged to limit their alcohol consumption. A sober mind would also help one remain vigilant.

In most date rape cases the victims also reported that they had no memory of the sexual assault. They wake up confused, dizzy and feeling nauseous. “Often the victim never regains their loss of memory,” said Smith.

The first step for any rape victim would be to report it to a friend or relative. They can help you reach the necessary authorities.

Mkhize also urged women to refrain from bathing or showering after such an incident. “It might feel like a natural response, but it would destroy important evidence required by police. DNA is important for a conviction,” he said.

Smith suggests that rape victims should go to a Thuthuzela Care Centre, which has a dedicated district surgeon that will be able to conduct a rape kit. “Rape victims should also go for blood tests. This will provide the prosecution with forensic evidence that the victim has been drugged,” she said.

Finally, victims should also request ARVs, post-exposure prevention (PEP) treatment to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and emergency contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy as well as counselling. “It is crucial that the victims receive the treatments within 72 hours, especially the ARVs, as they will no longer be effective after that time line,” said Smith.