Stay Safe At Holiday Parties With Advice From Howell Alliance

HOWELL, NJ — The Howell Alliance, the township's tobacco and substance abuse prevention committee, reminds the public that holiday parties may also leave some people vulnerable to sexual assault.

The Howell Alliance works in the community to prevent substance abuse, underage drinking, underage marijuana use, alcoholism, tobacco/nicotine use, vaping, and other at-risk behaviors through awareness and education. It also promotes mental well-being and the reduction of substance abuse and mental health disorder stigmas.

Christa Riddle, township coordinator of the Howell Alliance, passed on safety tips for the public from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency regarding drug-facilitated sexual assault:

• The perpetrator can be a date, stranger, acquaintance, or someone you know well.
• Alcohol remains the most commonly used drug in crimes of sexual assault.
• Other drugs used include Rohypnol, GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid), GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone), and ketamine.
• These drugs are typically odorless, colorless, and tasteless when placed in a drink; GBL has a bitter taste that can be masked by strong-tasting drinks.
• Within 30 minutes of ingesting the drug, the individual is vulnerable to an assault; they may have trouble talking and moving around and may pass out.
• Because of the effects of the drug, the victim may not remember what happened; often, victims do not report this type of crime.
• Drugging another person without their knowledge or consent is a crime.
• If you think you or a friend may have been drugged, it is important to immediately get help, get to a safe place, and get medical care; call 9-1-1 if need be.
• Prevention strategies include only drinking what you or a trusted friend order, drinking from bottles and cans that you open yourself or watching your drink being made, not leaving your drink unattended (discard it out if you have), and not drinking anything that has an odd taste or look to it; these pointers pertain to alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Learn more in the DEA's publication Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault.