Trinka Porrata’s services include:
DFSA & Current Drug Trends Workshops
Porrata’s “Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault” training is extensive and covers the 50+ drugs utilized in sexual assault, the variance of their effects, testing issues, evidence collection, how these unique cases present and how to overcome the typical obstacles to investigating and prosecuting them. Attendees learn what to look for, how to piece together the pattern of a DFSA and how it fits (or does not fit). Yes, some cases are not drug facilitated and the devil is in the details that you collect. Training also covers the unique cases involving a DFSA hidden beneath a DUI arrest of the victim who is now a DUI suspect. DFSA cases are difficult at best and we can do better with training at stopping these typical serial offenders. This is her primary focus currently as these cases are so under-recognized and under-investigated and under-prosecuted.
Medical personnel from those specializing in sexual assault cases to ER staff to addiction treatment personnel will benefit from Porrata’s classes. Jail medical personnel will also find these courses of interest. Addicts in withdrawal can and have died in jail custody and in treatment centers unaware of its severe and potentially fatal withdrawal syndrome. It requires a medical detox, not a cold turkey setting. Porrata has extensive knowledge of the drug GHB, from abuse, rape, overdose and death to addiction and withdrawal. GHB is the toughest addictive drug to beat and she was worked with more than 4,500 GHB addicts worldwide (22 countries). Withdrawal treatment information is available through her training and the book she edited, “G’d Up 24/7: The GHB Addiction Guide.”
Porrata also provides workshops specifically on GHB addiction and withdrawal and GHB-related deaths for medical conferences. Having worked with top researchers on the subject and dealing with addicts, their families and those who have lost someone to this drug, Porrata has a unique background. Solid treatment for GHB addiction is lacking worldwide.
Porrata’s “Current Drug Trends” workshops focus predominantly on the more unusual current drug abuse trends, including the drugs common in the rave and club scene such as MDMA, GHB/GBL/BD, ketamine, salvia divinorum, prescription drug abuse and DXM. You’ll learn about drug problems in your area that you may not have been fully aware of until attending her class. Sessions can be tailored to your local needs, with emphasis added to the most common drug problems your community faces. Her presentations educate audiences about recognition of the drugs, the symptoms and the cultures associated with the drugs. Audience members come away knowing vital facts like the typical packaging and paraphernalia that typically accompanies specific drugs. Her presentations include videos of under the influence of various drugs and case studies. Drug paraphernalia items are displayed for handling as well.
Specially tailored workshops for parents and students focus on risk factors of the drugs, recognition of the drugs themselves and how to know when a loved one is using. These presentations are focused on prevention, teaching our youth the personal consequences of drug use. In this presentation, Porrata speaks less about how the drugs are used and instead asks our youth to think about what they’re willing to live or die for. The message is -- It isn’t about what your friends think is cool or about what is popular, it’s about YOU and how you make choices that will affect your life. Porrata speaks frankly with parents and students in an effective and memorable educational presentation that prepares the audience to successfully navigate through the terrifying world of drug abuse. What’s really in your kid’s backpack? How dangerous is it really to attend a rave party or pop a pill your friend offers you? Parent and student alike -- You need to know.
The length of presentation may vary from one hour to eight hours, depending on your needs. Porrata typically does eight-hour courses for law enforcement and medical personnel but adapts to any schedule. Parent and student presentations vary as need as well, but at least one hour should be scheduled if possible.
Expert Testimony
Porrata has testified in state and federal, criminal and civil courtrooms about the effects, paraphernalia, packaging, sources, distribution and use of GHB, ecstasy, ketamine (Special K), and other drugs of abuse plus specifically on the topics of drug-facilitated sexual assault and the rave phenomenon. Porrata’s testimony provides a solid overview of how DFSA cases present, the drugs involved and effects and how the particular case fits the pattern, etc.