Following some claims of a “high” number of drink spiking incidents occurring on the Sunshine Coast, one young woman is bravely sharing her story to raise awareness and to protect others.
Several people have recently taken to social media to warn of drinks being spiked in venues on the Sunshine Coast. Understandably, many of these people want to remain anonymous.
Drink spiking is the act of putting a drug – including prescription medication, illicit drugs or alcohol – into someone’s drink, without their knowledge, often rendering the victim helpless.
The Queensland Police Service could not confirm or deny the “high” number of drink spiking claims, but said it takes all reports of drink spiking seriously.
Sippy downs student Dakoda Carmody, 22, said she had her drink spiked earlier this year at a party at her accommodation, in Sippy Downs.
Needing to use the bathroom, Ms Carmody, said she handed her drink to her trusted friend to look after, but he also needed to go, so he set her drink down on a nearby table.
On her return, she innocently picked it up again.
“I took a sip, and then about 10 minutes later I was unconscious and vomiting,” Ms Carmody said.
“My friend helped me and called the ambulance; I felt grateful I had my friends by my side.
“I felt awful afterwards … it was mentally draining.”
Ms Carmody described it as a very sad situation and issue.
“I felt and feel sad that there are people in the world who would do that – people who do it are just wanting to take advantage of other people,” she said.
Ms Carmody said she did attend the Sunshine Coast University Hospital emergency department and was given a toxicology report, and it came back positive.
She said, because she did not know who drugged her, she did not file a police report.
Under the Criminal Code Act, a person who administers, or attempts to administer, in a drink a substance to another person without the other person having knowledge of the substance, with the intent for the person to be stupefied or overpowered is guilty of a crime and is liable to imprisonment for five years.
Ms Carmody said she thought current sentences for the crime should be longer, but that it should depend on what type of drug the culprit used.
She urged people to stick together while nightclubbing, or going to a music gig or party.
“Keep an eye on your mates, keep your drinks on you and never go to a party alone – so someone can watch your drinks,” she said.
The Queensland Police Service said its takes all reports of drink spiking seriously.
“QPS investigates reports of drink spiking on a case-by-case basis, often in conjunction with other offences such as sexual assault,” the spokesperson said.
“The QPS encourages anyone who believes they have had their drink spiked to formally report the matter to police as soon as possible.
“This ensures police can obtain all relevant evidence in a timely manner and assists investigators to overcome any evidentiary challenges.”
The QPS spokesperson reiterated that drink spiking is an offence and should be reported to police.
“If you’ve experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.”
If there’s an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
You can also report online, over the phone or face to face at a police station.
There are also alternative reporting options available depending on your situation.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
Tips to consider to minimise the risks of drink spiking:
- Take your own drinks to parties.
- Avoid leaving drinks unattended.
- Only accept drinks from trusted people.
- Watch your drink being poured.
- Don’t accept an open container of drink from anyone.
- If you feel very drunk in a disproportionate amount of time to the amount of drinks that you have consumed, immediately tell a friend or someone in authority.
- Consider keeping your drink covered at all times e.g. hand or coaster over a glass or thumb over a bottle to reduce the risk of drink spiking.
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