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Peterellis.org.nz
Home / Moral Panics / Drug
Rape urban myth Drug-rapes
- Taranaki Hysteria December 2006 |
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National publicity about
unprecedented numbers of drug-rapes in Taranaki pubs and bars has resulted in
an additional 23 reported throughout the country. Rape crisis centres now believe
the women may be only the tip of the iceberg of what is occurring in the
community. However, police are frustrated
that only a small percentage are reporting the crimes to them. Taranaki rape crisis centres
issued a public alert last week when nine Stratford and New Plymouth women
told them they had been drug-raped between November 30 to December 3. One such victim has asked for her
angry, anguished reaction to be published in the Taranaki Daily News. Detective Sergeant Blair Burnett,
Hawera, said two Stratford women had come forward to tell police about
alleged drug-rapes. One complainant went to the Hawera
emergency department to be tested. Her blood results had been sent to
ESR (the Institute of Environmental and Scientific Research) for analysis.
But it could be weeks or months before the results were known, Mr Burnett
said. Until then there was no lead on
what drug might have been used, he said. Both cases would be handed on to
Stratford CIB for investigation, he said. Mr Burnett says in order to make
progress, police need to hear from the other women who believe they have been
drug-raped. "It's certainly a
worry," Mr Burnett said. Safer Centre spokeswoman Lorraine
Jans says she is relieved that their public warning appears to have worked as
no more victims have come forward since last weekend. Hawera Rape Crisis (HRC), which
runs a nationwide call centre, has now heard from another 23 drug-rape
victims from across the country who have rung in as a result of the publicity.
"They are from all over:
Christchurch, Morrinsville, Wellington." This was the most the centre had
ever received. She believed there were many more out there who were too
distressed to ask for help. "I think because of the
confusion they aren't reporting it." Most had occurred at bars while a
few were at parties, HRC manager Pam Bassett said. Their stories were very
distressing, she said. "I don't doubt these women
are genuine. They are losing great periods of time," Ms Bassett said. But Mr Burnett says while some
reports were undoubtedly true, it is also possible some had had too much
alcohol -- which can also caused memory loss -- and were looking for someone
or something to blame. "Just because you can't
remember two hours doesn't mean you've been drug-raped. Some of them may be
looking for something to justify being in that situation. "But I'm sure there are still
some legitimate concerns." |
