Stay alert: prevent cases of knockout drops in Salzburg’s nightlife
Partying without being knocked out is the goal of the “Party Without Falling Over” campaign. The campaign draws attention to knockout drops in Salzburg’s nightlife. Closely related to this is the topic ssexual assault while leaving. Neither should be taboo or denied, says Martin Sönmezay, manager of the “Half Moon” club in Salzburg.
SALZBURG. There are 14 known cases of victims of knockout drops in Salzburg this year. “But the number of unreported cases is much higher because the effects are similar to heavy alcohol consumption,” says Agnes Menapace, head of the Salzburg women’s emergency hotline. Often people are not sure if their condition is alcohol related, so medical help is not always sought. That should change, because violence in nightlife must not be taboo.
“Celebrate without falling over”
The “Celebrate without falling over” campaign by the Salzburg Women’s Emergency Call Center and the State of Salzburg draws the attention of night owls and bar staff to the topic of knockout drops. “We are thus advocating a self-determined and relaxed departure from Salzburg,” says Provincial Councilor Andrea Klambauer (Neos).
“The Salzburg youth report showed that half of all girls and women surveyed between the ages of 18 and 20 had already been sexually molested.”
Andrea Klambauer, Provincial Councilor Neos
Have you ever been sexually harassed while partying?
Rule number one: Don’t give anyone knockout drops
A checklist for celebrations without a KO can be found on beer coasters and flyers sent to 200 night catering establishments and 50 youth centers in Salzburg. “The number one rule is: Don’t give anyone KO drops,” says Menapace. “But because not everyone follows this rule, there are five more rules.”
These rules are:
- Don’t leave your drink unattended.
- Do not accept open drinks.
- Come together, celebrate together, go together.
- Does someone appear disoriented and dazed? Better to ask for free.
- If you suspect knockout drops: get help! Alert friends, bar staff or emergency services.
“You have to rely on civil courage on this topic: Don’t look away and help each other‘ says Menapace.
Sexual assault in the afterlife
Because knockout drops render individuals defenseless, they are often used in connection with sexual violence and sexual assault in the afterlife. Bars that take this topic seriously and don’t tolerate it are designated “Luisa bars”. There, bar staff were trained in how to deal with sexual assault. With the simple sentence: “Is Luisa here?”, those affected can inconspicuously draw the staff’s attention to sexual assaults or other unpleasant situations. The bar staff helps to get out of the situation.
Here you can find out more about “Luisa is here”:
Uncomplicated help for women & girls in the Ginhouse
“Sexual harassment is our daily business”
“We very rarely hear about KO drops, but the number of unreported cases is certainly high. But sexual harassment in the club is our daily business. That’s why we became ‘Luisa-Local’,” says Martin Sönmezay, manager of the “Half Moon” club “Salzburg. “Being a club means being a community worth protecting and we want to comply with that.” The Half Moon employees are trained on exactly these topics. “Our view of the scenario on the dance floor and in front of the bar has changed since of the ‘Luisa training’ changed a lot. The commitment to be a ‘Luisa-Local’ gives us new responsibility,” says Sönmezay, who will of course also be putting on the “Celebrate without falling over” beer coasters.
16 days against violence against women:
Set a visible sign against violence
You might also be interested in this:
More women are reporting sexual violence
“Rape is not a sexual act, it is an act of violence”