Date-rape straw helps students prevent sexual assault

Rohypnol is a term that may not be familiar to many students. The slang term, roofies, however, is well known to college students as a common date-rape drug.

Date-rape drug detection has been attempted several times. Detection methods such as coasters that change color, test strips and covered glasses are available for sale.

Jerimy Blowers, health educator at Plattsburgh State, said it is important that students pay attention to the taste and color of their drink. Date-rape drugs often turn drinks another color.

According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, when mixed with a beverage, Rohypnol turns a blue color. Most often victims of Rohypnol abuse were drinking out of a dark container or had a blue mixed drink. The effects of Rohypnol usually take effect 15 to 20 minutes after administered and can last up to 12 hours.

If a student does notice a change, he or she should immediately tell a friend, save a sample and go to a medical clinic to be checked.

Recently, a new method of Rohypnol detection has been introduced that may help to protect victims from sexual assault.

According to a Feb. 2, 2007 article, "Date Rape's Last Straw", three business students have developed a drinking straw that will change color if a drink laced with Rohypnol passes through it.

The students, who are from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, originally created the idea as a contest entry.

Once they won, however, they decided to put the $2,000 in prize money toward starting a company to produce the straw.

Blowers said the date-rape straw is definitely a concept that should be looked into and experimented with. It should not, however, be relied on as the only way to prevent sexual assault.

"A tool is only as reliable as the knowledge and awareness of the person using it," Blowers said.

PSUC junior Leighann Greene thinks the straw is a good idea in general. She does, however, have some reservations about its reliability.

"I think it could be practical," Greene said. "But it depends because if the drink is colored, like a mixed drink, you might not notice the color change."

Although a straw that detects Rohypnol might be a good thing to have, Blowers said education is the most important factor in avoiding abusive situations at parties. Even alcoholic beverages that have not been altered can lead to dangerous, and possibly abusive, situations.

"I really believe that we need to educate ourselves about sexual assualt and how to protect oneself and others," Blowers said. "This will always be the number one way in preventing and dealing with this crime."

Although no drug detection devices are available at PSUC, Blowers said that the Center for Student Health and Psychological Services, University Police and the Violence Prevention Project consistently attempt to raise awareness to issues such as date rape and sexual assault. Blowers said all PSUC students are at risk and should take advantage of the resources that are available on campus.

Greene said: "I don't know if students would buy the straws. But if the college supplied them or they were handed out at bars, I think a lot of students would try to use them."

Blowers said the main thing that students need to do to protect themselves is be aware and responsible.

"Date-rape drugs are here, like all campuses, and yes, students here have unfortunately been impacted by these substances," Blowers said. "Be conscious of what's going on around you and remember that the biggest date-rape drug on any campus is alcohol."