Rape Crisis is asking people to party safely this summer by watching their drinks and having a safe person to watch over them.

"With the party season on us we're calling on everyone to keep on doing what they normally do to keep themselves safe," says Claire Benson National Spokeswoman for Rape Crisis, "Watch how much you're drinking and be aware of how any recreational drugs might affect you. Try and party with people you know and look after each other."

This year there has been a reported increase in the number of sexual assaults where the survivor has been drugged, and Rape Crisis advises caution while partying.

"Drug rape is concerning - but the majority of sexual offenders don't actually resort to this," said Ms Benson, "Watch your drinks and don't accept drinks from strangers. Party with someone you trust who will stay sober and look after you, or look out for you friends. If your friend is going off with someone you don't know, it always helps to check a situation out first."

Rape Crisis advises anyone who wakes after a night out suffering memory loss and feeling dizzy or disorientated to contact their local Rape Crisis or Police and get medical help.

"If you've been drugged and raped, tests can pick up the traces of the drugs and it can be used to convict your attacker," said Ms Benson, "Using drugs to rape someone is a serious crime that can kill someone. It's stupid too because the rapist is leaving a trail of evidence."

Rape Crisis will be available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted or who needs to talk about a situation.

"Our women will be available around the country, like all the other emergency services. If you need to talk to someone just look us up in the Personal Help Section on page 32 of your local Telecom White Pages."

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For further information contact Claire Benson, National Spokeswoman on 021 684 227 or (04) 384 7028.

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