"Nothing is OK with K.O. Drops!": City of Vienna Warns with Campaign in Vienna Clubs and Venues

A drink at the bar - and suddenly everything goes dark. At the first meeting with the online date, the cocktail leads to headaches and severe fatigue. At a shared apartment party with friends and a flirt, concentration suddenly wanes, and everything blurs. How should one proceed if they observe someone mixing date rape drugs into a drink or if they suspect that such substances have been administered to them?

"Nothing is OK with Date Rape Drugs!": Trained Staff in Viennese Clubs in the Future

"Nothing is OK with date rape drugs" - this clear message is meant to awaken - and to call for vigilance, action, and help! A dangerous characteristic of date rape drugs is that they are odorless and tasteless. It is all the more important to watch over your own drink - and others - and to take action! Civil courage means being vigilant! The staff of the women's emergency hotline are always there for those affected - as well as for witnesses who want to help. The Viennese club scene is a strong partner here when it comes to supporting the safest possible partying. With the new Viennese event law, it will be guaranteed that trained staff will be on-site in the future and know what to do in case of an emergency," says Vienna's Deputy Mayor and City Councilor for Women, Kathrin Gaál. And: "In the large women's survey 'Vienna, as she wants it,' violence protection was an important issue for Viennese women. It is clear: Violence against women has no place in our city. So that all Viennese women and men feel safe and comfortable in our city," says Gaál.

Federal Minister for Women, Science, and Research Eva-Maria Holzleitner emphasizes: "Vienna impressively shows with this campaign what is possible when everyone pulls together: Setting concrete measures together with clubs, venues, and civil society so that women can feel safe when going out. That the city of Vienna sets such strong accents here is exemplary. But violence prevention must not end at city or state borders - that is why we are launching an information campaign at the federal level to raise awareness throughout Austria."

High Number of Unreported Cases with Date Rape Drugs

The initiative "Nothing is OK with Date Rape Drugs" by the city of Vienna calls for mindfulness and civil courage and provides information about date rape substances, protective measures, and possible actions in case of suspicion of their use. The 24-hour women's emergency hotline offers information at 01/71719. In case of danger, the police should always be contacted at 133. The campaign uses free cards, posters online and in print, as well as drink covers to draw attention to the issue. The essential information is now also available in a newly designed flyer or can be viewed here.

In the last two years, the number of cases involving knockout drugs has remained stable: In 2024, there were about 80 inquiries regarding suspected cases, just like in 2023, while in 2022 there were around 70 and in 2021 about 40 consultations; in 2020, 20 cases were reported. However, the number of unreported cases for this crime is significantly higher. The current average is about six consultations per month on this topic. Knockout drugs make people manipulable and defenseless and are often deliberately used in cases of sexualized violence. The responsibility for this crime always lies with the perpetrator, never with the victim. Since the behavior of the perpetrator often cannot be influenced, it is important to be able to protect oneself.

Suspected Knockout Drops: How to React Correctly

Drinks should generally not be left unattended, and friends should always look out for each other. It is crucial to listen to your gut feeling – for example, leaving the party with friends if you feel unwell. In case of sudden dizziness, nausea, or unusual, disinhibiting effects, you should contact a trusted person or the bar staff. In case of doubt, do not hesitate to contact the police at 133!

Since the detection window depends on the substance used, affected individuals should be taken to a hospital like the AKH, the Ottakring Clinic, or the Examination Center for Victims of Violence (contact at +43 (0)1 40160 - 35700) as quickly as possible. Prompt collection of blood and urine samples and appropriate documentation are important. Even if no decision to file a report has been made yet, it is initially important to secure samples, findings, and photos of injuries for a possible criminal proceeding.

Through civil courage, witnesses can help prevent the use of knockout drugs or reduce the negative consequences for those affected. If someone observes suspicious individuals mixing something into another's drink, the affected person should be informed immediately. Ideally, the drink should be poured out, and other attendees should also be alerted. Additionally, it is important to inform the bar staff or the police immediately. Witnesses can further support by accompanying the affected person safely home or to the hospital.

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