Drugs
Drugs can be taken willingly or unknowingly, they affect the user’s ability to reason and think clearly and so limits their ability to consent.
Alcohol is the main drug associated with drug-assisted sexual violence, whether taken knowingly or ‘spiked’ with something stronger.
Effects from drugs can include:
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Memory loss
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Drowsiness
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Impaired judgement
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Slurred speech
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Nausea and/or vomiting
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Disorientation
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Poor balance
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Aggression
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Decrease in inhibitions
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Decreased sense of reality
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Hallucinations
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Numbness
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Paralysis
Any drugs which inhibit the user’s cognitive function will remove the user’s ability to consent, however those which are used to spike drinks are most commonly sedatives – the effects of which are more potent when taken with alcohol. These can take effect very quickly and the effects can last for hours. Rohypnol is well known, although many other prescription drugs and illicit substances are used including ketamine, temazepam, Valium, GBL and GHB.
Alcohol is frequently cited as a factor when attempting to explain or excuse sexual assault, with victims urged to modify their behaviour by abstaining or drinking less to accommodate the danger posed by those who seek to take advantage. It is a problematic mindset, encouraging a culture of targeting and exploiting inebriated individuals, or using alcohol as an excuse for assault.
If You Have Been Affected
If you think you have been affected, you may not remember much of what has happened. You may have evidence to suggest something has happened, such as bruising or bleeding, or you may find yourself in a strange place or with someone you don’t know with little memory of how you got there. Not only can this make reporting difficult, not knowing what happened can be very difficult to cope with. It is important to remember that this is not your fault, and that you did not deserve what happened.
If you believe you have experienced sexual violence and wish to involve police, it is important to do so as early as possible as many drugs will only stay in your system for 12-48 hours.
Police may want to take blood, urine or hair samples as part of the forensic examination. While this may sound quite confronting, you have power over this process and have the authority to stop at any point. You have the control.
You can learn more about this process here.
Whether or not you choose to involve police, it is highly recommended that you contact health and/or support services.
