Unfortunately, there are people who give or mix in ("spike")substances to others in order to then rob or sexually abuse them. Again and again we receive inquiries especially about how besttoprotect against unknowingly taking G (i.e., GHB or GBL) and especially unintentional administration (i.e., using G as a "knockout drop").

Sexualized violence

The extent of experiences of sexual assault across the lifespan is still alarmingly high (see, for example, this article from DIE ZEIT with results from the Global Drug Survey). We stand by those affected and advocate the followingprinciples:

No one knows for sure how often assaults occur with G or other substances used as knock-outs. Only a glaring minority of those who have experienced sexual assault under the influence of drugs associate this with G. (In the Global Drug Survey, just 2% stated this, compared to 88% under the influence of alcohol). However, it is often difficult to determine in individual cases whether Gcould have been involved- partly because it is usually no longer detectablein thebodyafter the first pee following ingestion.

Our impression is that assaults involving knockout substances do not happen as often as media reports suggest. Perhaps it evenhappensless often nowdue to the increasing knowledgeabout theminrecent years.Nevertheless, every partygoerand everyone who works in nightlife shouldhave abasic knowledge of knockout drugs.
It should be clear: Anyone who comes up with the idea ofadministering substances tosomeone else withouttheir express consent and full awareness ofthe consequences :

What can I know and do?

>> Make sure that others do not underestimate G:Informpotentialco-users intensively about the risks,warnthem ofpossible consequences andchoosethe dosageas low-risk as possible(exact, low dosage using a pipette or syringe, do nottop uptooearly).
>>Preventtherisk of confusionfor others by keeping the substances safe from others, e.g. in abottle that isalsoimmediately recognizable to others.

Unfortunately, the actually well-intentioned drink check wristbandsprove to be unsafe . This involves dabbing 1-2 drops from thedrink onto a test field, which changes colorif the drinkcontainsGHB.But: the color reaction is often difficult to see in the club, and depending on thedrink, the color reaction can vary. More importantly, the wristband only reacts toGHB,which (at least in Berlin club life) is almost no longer in use. In theclub scene, on the other hand, the muchcheaper and easier to obtain GBL is consumed. In addition,many other substances can also be usedas "knockout drugs". The braceletstherefore convey in case of doubt that no narcoticispresent, where it is!

The real task is to make it a consensus in the scene and in society as a whole that it is a particularly serious case of Violence (assault, coercion,bodily harm) to administer drugs tosomeone withoutexplicit consent and awareness of the consequences. Alsoregardless of whether the condition is then exploited for assault. Only Yes Means Yes also in relation to consumption!

>> Don't persuade anyone to use substances or have sex. Only yes means yes!

>> Take care of yourself and others, take care of each other!Handleyour substances with care and caution.

>> Offersupport and special protectionto thosewho need it - e.g. because they are too intoxicatedto makeclear decisions forthemselves. Be careful not to takeover others in anoverbearing manner.If in doubt, intervene immediately if you suspect (emerging) abuse.

Rules of conductfor friends, relativesandsupporters ofaffected persons

>> Protectyour fellow ravers! For example, by paying special attention to those who are very over the top.

>> Sensitize others! Takea clear stance against sexual assault and violence in your circle of friends by sharing your knowledge and attitude and intervening in all forms of sexual discrimination.

Notes forclubs and organizers

>> Become clear about your basic attitudes towards substance use at your parties (thisexplicitly includes alcohol)? What are border crossingsand red lines, what kind ofguest and consumer behavior do you want to counteract?

>> Communicate appropriate rules of conduct and expectations to yourguests (e.g. golden rules, netiquette and sexiquette etc. in your advertising, appropriate informationat the entrance and in the toilets).

>> If you have a no-G policy: make ittransparent toyourguests.But also be awarethat every taboo and prohibition strategy has strong negative effects: For example, G will then increasingly only be consumed in secret. Thismaydeterthose affected by sexual assault in particularfrom turning to you or to friends and fellow celebrants in confidence if theyneedhelp.Look (preferably together with us) for an appropriate way to deal with the fact that G use is now quite widespread.

>> Form awareness structures and teams and have your employees trained on substance effects, risks and safer use as well as how to act in a drug emergency (e.g. from us).

>> Take those affected seriously andsupport them to the best of your ability, offer them safe spacesand create anatmosphere oftrust.

>> Be aware that perpetrators often pretend to be friends of the victim. Get proof that the person and the victim really know each other!

Rules of conductfor victims of sexualized violence

If you are from köphysical and/or sexual violence or if you suspect it:

>> Get psychological support immediately, preferably from a good friend or a professional counseling center. Speak openly about what you have experienced, get it "off yourchest".

>> Do not apologize for anything.The assaulter alone is responsible foran assault,not the person affected.

>> Decide on yournext stepson your own .Seekadvicefrom friends,relativesand professionals, but don't be pressured into making decisions.

>> If you are threatened by someone else, get help from friends or contact the police immediately. Self-protection is not cowardice.

>>Ifyou are sure that you want to press charges: Contact the police without wasting time. Expect a lack of understandingand to be asked about intimate details. Also beawarethat the perpetratorsare often not convicted under criminal law. And that you usually no longer have the right to refuse to testify in criminal proceedings. Get professional advice!

>> If you are not sure whether youwant to press charges (later ), it is still important to secure your urine as quickly as possible.Unfortunately, in Berlin it is not possible to have urine taken in a legally secure manner without pressing charges. However, you can submit a urine sample at your own expense (approx. 50 euros) to the following laboratories and have it tested for knockout drops.

>> IMPORTANT
The urine sample must be taken within 12 hours - preferably directly at the laboratory or in a practice / hospital. Unfortunatelyrefuse Hospitals and surgeries often refuse to take your urine because they cannot have the sample tested directly in their laboratory. Insist on assistance and point out that it is only a matter of taking the urine and that you are responsible for all costs (privately). Label the urine sample urine sample with the note: "Suspected knockout drops."

Labor Wisplingshoff
Ostseestr. 111
10409 Berlin
Tel 030 400064862

Help forvictims of sexualized violence and their friends

>> Violence against women helpline in many languages: 08000-116.016 (365/24/7)

>> White Ring helpline: 116 006 (Mon.-Sun. 07:00-22:00)

>> Berliner Krisendienst - The crisis serviceprovidessupport for all psychosocial problems.
You can findthe right telephone numberfor your region at www.berliner-krisendienst.de (weekdays 16:00-24:00)
For urgent cases,the supra-regional
on-call serviceisavailable daily 00:00-08:00 and on weekends/holidays 08:00-16:00, tel. ++49 +30 +390 6310

>> Violence protection outpatient clinic of the Charité Berlin
There arenow violence protection outpatient clinics in severalcities. Hereyou can have injuries examined and documented by a forensic doctor, free of charge and even without a police report.Tel. ++49 +30 +450.570.270 (Mon.-Fri. 08:30-15:00)
LINK

>> LARA - Fachstelle gegen sexualisierte Gewalt an Frauen*
Helpfor women* after the age of 14 whohave experiencedrape, sexual assault and sexual harassment.Tel. ++49 +30 +216.8888 (Mon.-Fri. 09:00-18:00) www.lara-berlin.de | beratung@lara-berlin.de Here you will also find furtherinformation, e.g.on the FLINT* and the Refugees Hotline!

>> You can also find more information on KO drops - No thanks (German/English)
>> Information on the effects and risks of G can be found here