Study reveals 1 in 4 Aussies have been targeted in growing issue as Toowoomba woman speaks out

A Toowoomba woman has recalled how she let her guard down while enjoying a night out with friends, leading to her becoming a statistic in a growing issue. Details here.

Toowoomba woman Brittany Carnes was almost 19 when she decided to have a night out with friends – a decision that would leave her violated and without control over her own body.

Surrounded by a group of friends, Ms Carnes felt a false sense of security during a visit to a Toowoomba nightclub.

“There was about four of us that were all dancing and having fun, when a group of guys surround us and began to dance with us,” she said.

“We were all quite small girls, easy targets I guess, and I think because we were in a group, we let our guards down.

“It wasn’t until the next day that we began to realise what happened.”

Ms Carnes, said the arrival of other friends scared off the group of guys, however the damage was already done.

Their drinks had been spiked.

Brittany Carnes thought she was safe, when she suddenly found herself in a dangerous situation in Toowoomba’s CBD. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“I remember being quite disorientated, more confused, a bit more impulsive than usual and was thinking less,” she said.

“I was very foggy and cloudy, and I just assumed I was quite drunk, but the next day, I had no memory of the night.

“I am not one to drink a lot and I have never blacked out before. That night I really didn't have a lot to drink.

“The day after it happened, my friends and I were joking about how we must have all gotten too drunk, but that’s when we realised, no one could remember anything, and we started to put the pieces together.

“Thankfully we were all okay and nothing happened, but it was still really scary. I could tell I wasn’t myself.”

Brittany Carnes said she felt violated after her drink was spiked during a night out with friends. This is something 1 in 4 Aussies can relate to, a new study has revealed. Picture: Kevin Farmer

It’s an experience one in four Australian alochol drinkers aged between 18 and 40 have endured, according to new research by Mandatory Spirit Co.

And it’s a growing issues, with 37 per cent saying they have been drugged in the past 12 months.

However, Ms Carnes said she wouldn’t be surprised if it was higher in the region.

“My cousin told me that one of her first times clubbing, she noticed something dissolving in her drink,” she said.

“I never thought it would happen to me, but I know how easy it is and it’s happened to quite a few of my friends as well.

“If I (asked) all of my girlfriends, it would probably be more than 1 in 4 of them.”

Ms Carnes has reminded everyone drinking in public areas to be aware of your surroundings and ensure your drink is covered, even if you are holding it.

“I used to be quite spontaneous with my clubbing, but now I’m a lot more strict,” she said.

“Make sure someone knows where you are and what your plans are. Be smart, be safe.”