The UC Santa Cruz and City of Santa Cruz Police Departments are investigating a number of reports from female students that their drinks at recent parties may have been “spiked” with unknown drugs.
These “drugging” incidents are extremely serious:
• In at least one of the incidents, the victim reported that she had been sexually assaulted.
• Drugging victims can experience unusual levels of intoxication, become sick, and in some cases, even lose consciousness.
If You Think You May Have Been Drugged
• Seek immediate medical attention.
These “drugging” incidents are extremely serious:
• In at least one of the incidents, the victim reported that she had been sexually assaulted.
• Drugging victims can experience unusual levels of intoxication, become sick, and in some cases, even lose consciousness.
If You Think You May Have Been Drugged
• Seek immediate medical attention.
— Call 911 or ask a friend to transport you to the nearest facility offering medical care.
— There is no predictable way that a person will react to a drug or to know the dose that was given. In some instances these drugs can be fatal.
• Report the incident to law enforcement. They are available to help you.
• Report the incident to law enforcement. They are available to help you.
— The UC Santa Cruz Police Department can be reached at 911 or 831-459-2231.
— The City of Santa Cruz Police Department can be reached at 911 or 831-420-5800.
— Whenever possible, attempt to contain any evidence for later analysis by police.
— Whenever possible, attempt to contain any evidence for later analysis by police.
• Get support. Being victimized in this way can be a difficult experience and there is confidential support available through the following resources:
— Counseling and Psychological Services: 831-459-2628; http://caps.ucsc.edu
— Caitlin Stinneford, Violence Prevention Educator: 831-459-2721; http://healthcenter.ucsc.edu/shop/
— Stephanie Milton, Women's Center Director: 831-459-2072; http://womenscenter.ucsc.edu
What To Do If You Think Someone Else Has Been Drugged
• Be an active bystander. If you see someone who appears unable to care for themself, please step in and help.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or transport the victim to the nearest facility offering medical care.
• Speak up if you know about a specific incident. The police and other staff on campus are here to support you.
Safety Tips
• Designate a sober driver.
— Counseling and Psychological Services: 831-459-2628; http://caps.ucsc.edu
— Caitlin Stinneford, Violence Prevention Educator: 831-459-2721; http://healthcenter.ucsc.edu/shop/
— Stephanie Milton, Women's Center Director: 831-459-2072; http://womenscenter.ucsc.edu
What To Do If You Think Someone Else Has Been Drugged
• Be an active bystander. If you see someone who appears unable to care for themself, please step in and help.
• Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or transport the victim to the nearest facility offering medical care.
• Speak up if you know about a specific incident. The police and other staff on campus are here to support you.
Safety Tips
• Designate a sober driver.
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Eat foods high in protein and fat, such as cheese or nuts.
• Set a drink limit and stick to it. Know when you’ve had enough.
• Be aware that drugs can be placed in any kind of drink and that many drugs are colorless, odorless and flavorless.
• Never leave your drink unattended. If you have to go to the bathroom, either finish your drink or throw it away.
• Beverages that come in sealed containers (unopened cans or bottles) are much safer than mixed drinks.
• If you order a mixed drink, watch the person who mixes it.
• Do not take any open beverages, including alcohol, from someone you do not know well and trust.
• Never drink anything out of a common punch bowl. Avoid beer bongs, chugging, and drinking games.
• If someone offers to buy you a drink, go up to the bar with them to accept the drink.
• Subscribe to the "buddy system." Always party with one or more friends, and keep an eye on each other.
• If someone begins to appear "too drunk," get them to a safe place. Always leave together.
