New date rape drink detector gets rocky reception

(CBS) Is it a breakthrough in date rape deterrence - or a dud? Israeli researchers say they've come up with a tiny sensor to defend against men who sexually assault women after spiking their cocktails with "knockout" drugs. But the experimental sensor got a rocky reception from one expert in date rape, a.k.a. acquaintance rape.

The device has proven effective at detecting the presence of two drugs commonly used in acquaintance rape, GHB and ketamine, according to a written statement released by Tel Aviv University, where it was developed. It flashes or sounds an alarm when it detects changes in the drink's optical properties that result from the addition of a drug.

The device - which could become commercially available in a few years - would be small enough to carry in a pocket or purse and possibly clip onto a glass, according to the statement. It would use disposable cartridges costing under a dollar, each capable of being used with two or three drinks before needing to be replaced.

Statistics on acquaintance rape are sketchy, but experts say four out of five rapes are committed by victims' acquaintances. With a statistic like that, there's little doubt that acquaintance rape is a problem in need of a solution.

But is this device the deterrent everyone's been looking for?

"This defines the issue of sexual assault in a way that doesn't really reflect the realities," Mary Mayhew, program director of the sexual harassment and rape prevention program at the University of New Hampshire, told CBS News.

She said that GHB and ketamine were only two of many different drugs used in acquaintance rape. Even if the sensor proved effective at detecting the full range of date rape drugs, including antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and sleeping pills, she said, "we know that alcohol is the number one date rape drug. So this device might provide a false sense of security."

In the absence of an electronic deterrent, Mayhew said women could reduce their vulnerable to acquaintance rape by watching over their friends when out drinking - and making sure they reciprocate. But Mayhew's most effective strategy for avoiding acquaintance rape might be the simplest: "Know your limits."

The National Center for Victims of Crime has more on acquaintance rape.