The Legal Chronicle
Following “ongoing concerns city-wide about overdoses and sexual assaults associated with drugs like GHB,” an undercover Seattle narcotics unit seized date-rape drugs and other narcotics during an August nightclub raid, per AJC reports.
“Foundations Nightclub allegedly had several in-house drug dealers, who were allowed to bypass club security and sell inside the venue,” KIRO 7 reports. Police told KIRO 7, a “drug dealer at the nightclub coached undercover Seattle police officers on how to dose women with date rape drugs.”
The disturbing allegations raise grave security concerns for nightclub and bar patrons across the country. How do patrons protect themselves from sexual predators, particularly when nightclub ownership and management foster such an environment?
The U.S. Department of Health Office on Women’s Health addresses date rape drugs and provides tips to help nightclub and bar patrons to protect themselves from becoming victims of sexual predators:
- Don’t accept drinks from other people.
- Open containers yourself.
- Keep your drink with you at all times, even when you go to the bathroom.
- Don’t share drinks.
- Don’t drink from punch bowls or other common, open containers. They may already have drugs in them.
- If someone offers to get you a drink from a bar or at a party, go with the person to order your drink. Watch the drink being poured and carry it yourself.
- Don’t drink anything that tastes or smells strange. Sometimes, GHB tastes salty.
- Have a nondrinking friend with you to make sure nothing happens.
- If you realize you left your drink unattended, pour it out.
- If you feel drunk and haven’t drunk any alcohol — or, if you feel like the effects of drinking alcohol are stronger than usual — get help right away.
Victims of Nightclub Sexual Assault: Know Your Rights
If you are a victim of sexual assault get help. Call the police, a friend, or a rape crisis center. If possible, save your clothes, don’t shower or brush teeth, and seek medical attention immediately. If you have a lapse of memory, or wake up in a strange place and feel you might have been a victim of a sexual assault, contact a local law enforcement agency immediately. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Bar and nightclub patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should a nightclub owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any sexual assaults, injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.
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You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent nightclub security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.