Hof University of Applied Sciences wants to offer a safe place to study and is committed to protecting its members from assault and sexualized violence. To raise awareness of the issue, test bracelets against knockout drops (“DateRapeDrugs”) will be issued from July. Every member of the university can pick up a wristband while stocks last.
Perpetrators usually use knockout drops to make women dizzy, but other genders can also be affected.
Symptoms of knockout drops
Knockout drops are often mixed unnoticed into drinks in the form of GHB (gamma hydroxybutyric acid) and can lead to severe drowsiness, unconsciousness and memory loss. The drops are colorless and odorless. The symptoms are difficult to distinguish from excessive alcohol consumption, but occur much more suddenly. The AOK writes: “About 10 to 20 minutes after ingestion, the effect of the knockout drops becomes apparent. Victims are often euphoric at first and feel good. However, this is followed by nausea, dizziness and a sudden, leaden tiredness – a warning signal. As a rule, the victim then becomes dizzy or is in a state of helplessness.”
Knockout drop test bracelets are not all-round protection
Special test bracelets can help to detect knockout drops. They are easy, quick and discreet to use – ideal for clubs, bars, festivals or parties. Simply take a drop from the drink and drip it onto the test area of the wristband. A blue discoloration of the band shows that the drink contains K.O. drops. The liquid should no longer be drunk, but disposed of immediately. If the dot on the wristband turns green, there is no GHB or GBL in the drink.
Caution: If pure water or rain gets on the test dot, the dot will turn blue in any case. The test bracelets detect knockout drops with a high probability. Nevertheless, you should not rely on them 100%. This way you can continue to actively protect yourself without losing the fun of partying:
- Be alert, pay attention to yourself, your friends and your surroundings.
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended and only accept your own or still-sealed bottles from others.
- Party together in a group and react immediately if you notice something.
- If a person is behaving conspicuously or feels unwell, call for help early. Do not leave the affected person alone and go straight to the nearest emergency room or call the police on 112.
Silence helps the perpetrators, not the victims
If you experience or witness violence or sexual assault, do not remain silent. Further help is also available:
- Contact persons and special representatives are available at the university.
- The White Ring advises victims of crime on 116 006.
- The German government’s helpline against violence against women offers advice in 18 languages on 116 016, which you can call daily and free of charge.
From July 1, 2025, knockout drop test bracelets will be available free of charge for all members of the university in the university libraries in Hof and Münchberg, because anyone can become a victim. You can obtain the test bracelets from the secretary’s office in Kronach and from office N 209 in Selb.
