How Safe is Nashville? – Women Struggle to Get Tests After Suspected Drink Drugging Incidents

Escalating Incidents

In recent years, Nashville, Tennessee, has been grappling with a disturbing trend of alleged drink drugging incidents at its local establishments. According to the Sexual Assault Center in Nashville, about 40 percent of sexual assault victims believe they were drugged. Stories are continuously emerging, raising questions about the safety of the city and authorities’ response to such incidents.

Personal Anecdotes

This trend is evidenced by women like Tisha Savage, who believes that she was drugged back in 2021. She and her friends began to feel unwell within 30 mins of having a single drink at a local bar. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but despite her protests and evidence, she claims the officers forbid her from getting a hospital test or filing a police report. The city’s police department has yet to address this issue with no police report or body camera footage in existence from that night.

Another woman, Skylar Sullivan, had a similar experience. She too believes her drink was spiked at a downtown bar, leading to physical discomfort and bruising. However, Sullivan decided against getting a test, feeling that authorities often brush aside such incidents.

Responses and Solutions

The frequent reports of such incidents have prompted investigations into the health sector’s response and measures in place for potential victims. Examination of the drug testing policies of the four primary area hospitals revealed limitations and rigid procedures that can hinder victims from seeking help immediately.

Local laws are also being enacted in an attempt to prevent such incidents. The new state law sponsored by Representative Bob Freeman requires all alcohol-serving establishments to train their personnel to recognize the signs of a potential drugging incident. In addition, the Safe Bar program equips participating bars with drug-detecting coasters and runs regular bystander intervention training sessions.

Benton McDonough, Nashville’s Night Mayor, noted that such initiatives are proactive means to combat what is quickly becoming a significant problem in larger cities. He also revealed that over the past few months, several other bars in Broadway have become certified ‘Safe Bars.’ This move is reflective of the city’s determination to make Nashville’s nightlife safer.

The Path Forward

The accounts of Sullivan and Savage shine a light on the necessity for improved procedures and attitudes towards suspected drugging cases. For cities like Nashville, the stakes are not just about ensuring their citizens’ safety but also maintaining their image as a safe and fun destination for visitors. Future efforts need to focus on dismantling the existing stigma around reporting such incidents and highlighting the importance of swift and empathetic responses to potential victims.