An Australian woman is on a mission to keep others safe from the dangers of drink spiking.
Yazmin Favaro, 36, was having casual drinks while on a first date in Adelaide when she found herself in a “state of confusion”.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Woman’s warning over drink spiking after first date nightmare
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“I definitely didn’t behave as if I’d only had alcohol,” she told 7NEWS.
It wasn’t until later that she realised she had been sexually assaulted and likely had her drink spiked with GHB, or gamma-hydroxybutyrate — an illegal drug that acts as a depressant and has sedative and anaesthetic effects.
GHB is a colourless, odourless and tasteless liquid, often ingested to provide feelings of euphoria, relaxation, sociability and an increased sex drive.
“It depresses your central nervous system so you can’t have a fight-or-flight reaction,” Favaro said.
Yazmin Favaro. Credit: 7NEWS Police said they weren’t surprised she’d been spiked. Credit: 7NEWS In recent years, the drug has gained popularity amongst 18 to 25-year-olds as a “party drug”, but it’s also known as a “date rape” drug commonly used in drink spiking.
Favaro reported the incident to police, who said they were alarmed but not surprised.
“They said that these days, drink spiking happens at cafes and restaurants which I was surprised to hear,” she said.
Desperate to prevent other women from falling victim, Yazmin has launched Be Safe As, selling a product called Tutella — a discreet single-use testing sticker that detects if a drink contains GHB.
To use Tutella, you attach the sticker to an object such as a wallet, phone case or key ring, remove the protective film, then place your finger in the beverage and then on the sticker. Results appear after about one minute.
According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, around 3.5 per cent of Australians said they had experienced drink spiking at least once.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says on its website people should avoid sharing drinks and keep it close to them at all times.
The foundation added if someone you don’t know very well is buying you a drink, you should go with them to the bar to watch it being made.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au .