An Ulster organisation which offers counselling to victims of sexual abuse has urged young revellers to guard their drinks when out in pubs and clubs over the Christmas and New Year period.

The advice was offered by Paula Hanratty from the Nexus Institute, who said a series of measures can be taken by both young men and women in a bid to avoid having drinks spiked with date rape or other drugs.

A recent poll carried out for More magazine, which has a readership of teenagers and women in their early 20s, revealed that a quarter of those surveyed have had their drinks spiked.

Ms Hanratty, a regional project manager with Nexus, said more women were becoming vigilant with their drinks while out for the night - but said measures can be taken to prevent drinks being tampered with.

She said: "The important thing for young women and men is to remember that if you are in control of your drinking glass or bottle, then no-one else can be.

"Being vigilant is important and friends looking out for one another is vital. Reporting suspicious activity to the pub or club owner or the door staff will also help, as can making plans regarding getting home safely from a night out.

"We do receive calls from people who think they might have experienced a sexual attack whilst under the influence of a date rape drug or other substances.

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