by Bernie English
bernie@limerickpost.ie
LIMERICK students have come under attack from people attempting to drug them with hypodermic needles on nights out.
Rape Crisis Midwest has confirmed that they have been contacted by third level institutions in the city with reports of students being ‘jabbed’ as they socialise in clubs and pubs as Covid restrictions are lifted.
And gardaí have confirmed that they are dealing with at least one formal complaint in Limerick.
Varena Tarpey of Rape Crisis Midwest said they are “liaising with third level institutions,” over fears of further possible attacks now that social outlets are back in business, and large crowds make it difficult to spot a would-be attacker.
“Students have reported incidents to the third level institutions and those institutions are directing them to our services,” Ms Tarpey told the Limerick Post.
The so-called ‘rape jabs’, where victims are injected with a drug on nights out and wake the following day with hypodermic marks on their body and no recollection of events, are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Aside from the difficulty of prosecuting such cases because the drug often makes victims unable to remember what has happened to them, there is a fear that any sexual assault that may have happened could lead to pregnancy and infection with sexually transmitted diseases.
Ms Tarpey said that anyone involved in such actions could be prosecuted for assault but she feels that warnings and possible punishments are not the whole answer.
“There are campaigns advising people to be aware that they may be in danger and trying to encourage friends and bar staff to keep a sharp look out for such attempts, but there needs to be much more education and conversation around the issue of consent,” she said.
While it is now being addressed in colleges, Ms Tarpey feels this is too late as it should be taught at secondary and even primary school level.
“Unless we get the message out there that people are entitled to bodily integrity and that they have the right to refuse consent, then we will have these issues.
“The debate and warnings about how people can keep themselves safe during socialising should not be the whole conversation.
“What about a campaign telling attackers ‘don’t do this?'” Ms Tarpey suggested.
People who have fears or questions around sexual assault can contact Rape Crisis Midwest in total confidence on 061 311 511
