Drug Assisted Sexual Violence

The extent of the problem
Over recent years there has been increasing mention of drug assisted rape and sexual assaults.  The use of drugs and alcohol in order to make a person more vulnerable to sexual violence is not a new phenomenon, however the increased range and availability of drugs which are tasteless, odourless and difficult to detect has been a cause for concern.

It is difficult to know the real extent of the problem due to underreporting and the speed with which many substances leave the body before being identified. Figures from callers to the RCS helpline as well as to local centres and the Roofie Foundation suggest there are significant numbers across the UK who have experienced this, both at home and abroad.

Alcohol & drug use
In the main alcohol remains the main ‘drug’ associated with drug assisted sexual violence. This is where other stronger drinks were added or additional measures given to the drinks being consumed without that person’s knowledge. This aspect of ‘spiking’ is often overlooked and may account for the lack of detection of other drugs in any tests carried out.

Sometimes alcohol or drugs consumed may have been taken voluntarily to varying degrees, prior to the rape or sexual assault.

Too often women are afraid to tell for fear of being blamed because she had been drinking or had taken drugs. While we all have a level of responsibility for our own safety it is important that this does not translate into victim blaming.

There are some precautions that people can take, for example not leaving your drink unsupervised when in a bar or club. It is important to stress however that no matter whether alcohol or drugs were taken voluntarily or not the responsibility for the sexual violence always lies with the perpetrator.

The main association people might have is of having a drink spiked in a pub or club by someone unknown to them. However it is important to point out that this can also happen in the home, the workplace or elsewhere, by people known and trusted, and that it is not only alcoholic drinks which can be spiked.  It is also not only women who can be spiked as men can also be spiked whether for sexual violence or for other motives such as robbery.

The drugs involved
In general, aside from alcohol, the drugs which are used to spike drinks are sedatives, the effects of which are made more powerful and dangerous by alcohol intake. These drugs, sometimes referred to as ‘date rape drugs’ can take effect very quickly and the effects can last for hours. Probably the most well known is Rohypnol, although there are a wide range of other prescription drugs and illicit substances which have been used including ketamine, temazepam, valium, GBL and GHB.  

The effects
Depending on the drug the effects of these can vary but include:-

- amnesia (memory loss)
- drowsiness
- impaired judgement
- slurred speech
- nausea &/or vomiting
- disorientation
- poor balance and co-ordination
- aggression
- decrease in inhibitions
- decreased sense of reality
- hallucinations
- numbness
- paralysis

Many of the above are also associated with significant alcohol consumption so their consumption can be difficult to identify. The combination and amount of drugs, combined with alcohol can be life threatening and it is important to seek medical advice if you have any concerns.

If you have been affected….
One of the most common side effects is amnesia where the victim cannot remember much of what happened. This can make reporting very difficult as much of the story may be lost or confused. Emotionally this can also be difficult to come to terms with, as callers to the RCS helpline report. Not knowing what or all of what has happened, having gaps in events, possibly not knowing who was involved or where you were taken can make the grieving and healing process more difficult to negotiate.

If you feel you might have been raped or sexually assaulted and feel you do want to involve the Police it is important to do this as soon as possible as traces of the drugs can leave your system very quickly, along with other forensic evidence. This varies depending on the drug, some will leave no trace after 12 hours, others 48*. The Police may want to take blood, urine and hair samples in addition to the forensic examination associated with rape/sexual assault. See our website section on Information about the Police & Court for further details on what to expect.

Even if you decide you do not want to involve the Police you may want to think about accessing services and support around your sexual health, emergency contraception as well as emotional support. See our section for survivors of rape & sexual assault for more information on this.

Our Frequently Asked Questions section also has a range of information on these and other subjects.

Sexual violence can impact on us in a variety of ways and everyone is individual in how it will affect them.

What can make this more difficult is where little memory is left. You may have other evidence to suggest something has happened, such as bruises or bleeding or you may find yourself somewhere or with someone you do not know. You may find yourself going over and over what happened, or torturing yourself with thoughts of what might have taken place.

While support may not be able to reassure you about what has happened or give you answers to the questions you may have about those gaps it is important you know that there is support available. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline can offer support, whether you have any clear memory or not. They will not define what has happened but will offer you a space to talk, to explore how you feel and offer information on additional supports and services, as well as reporting if that would be helpful.

Remember, you are not to blame and you deserve to be safe, listened to and to have the support you need.

There are a number of other services, in addition to Rape Crisis Scotland member centres which you may find useful for further information and support.

Useful resources and links:

www.roofie.com – an organisation working specifically with those affected by drink spiking. They have a helpline open 9am-9pm on 0800 783 2980, as well as a Scottish service offering phone and face to face support based in Erskine, Renfrewshire on 0845 2412154.

http://www.strathclyde.police.uk/search.asp?searchWord=drug+rape – Information from Strathclyde Police on drug assisted rape

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Drink-spiking/Pages/Introduction.aspx?url=Pages/what-is-it.aspx
- Info on NHS pages about drink spiking

http://www.knowthescore.info/kts/512.html - Info from Know the Score, the website and helpline concerned with drug use in general

http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/date-rape-drugs.cfm - American Government website on drug assisted rape, with detailed information on the effects of some of the more commonly used drugs.

www.fpa.org.uk – Information about sexual health and family planning. Has an online searchable database of clinics across the UK for emergency contraception and sexual health testing.

www.archwayglasgow.com – a sexual assault & referral centre offering a 24 hour forensic service to anyone aged 13+ in the wider Glasgow area who has been sexually assaulted within the last 7 days. They have access to support, counselling and sexual health services, with or without Police involvement. Call 0141 211 8175.

See our useful links page for further local sources of support.