I actually hate to have to say this is a good idea, because saying so speaks volumes about our society . . . but that doesn’t make it less true.
A lipgloss that doubles as an anti-rape device has gone on sale to protect women from drink-spiking.
The 2LoveMyLips concept was today welcomed by campaigners trying to prevent ‘date-rape’.
The lipgloss, which will cost £9.99 [about US $16.60], comes with special test strips which turn blue immediately when signs of substances such as GHB or ketamine are present.
Businesswoman Tracy Whittaker and partner Tina Dutton created the product and are in discussions with Boots and Tesco.
Ms Whittaker said: ‘If a drink tastes funny, or you are suspicious, you dab the ends of the taper into your drink and, if they turn blue, tell your friends immediately and get help from security and the police — it’s that simple.’
There’s more at the link.
Drink-spiking, whether or not it leads to anything worse, is endemic in college towns and other ‘night life’ spots. As a pastor, I had to deal with many young folks who ran head-on into it. I hope this new product will help spread awareness of the problem, and assist victims to seek help before they lose consciousness – and perhaps end up in a situation they’d rather avoid.
The manufacturer’s Web site is here. Readers with teenage kids might want to take note of the details, and look for it at local outlets or online.
Peter
It's an interesting marketing gimmick, but if a young woman is suspicious enough to do the test, she should listen to her gut and get out of there. All a test tells her is that her drink hasn't been tampered with (yet) using the substances the strip is sensitive to.