Drug -facilitated sexual assault involves the administration of an anesthesia-type drug to render a victim physically incapacitated or helpless and this incapable of giving or withholding consent from sexual behavior. Victims may be totally unconscious during or all parts of the sexual assault and, upon regaining consciousness, may experience some amnesia- the inability to recall events that occurred while under the influence of the drug.
Victims are often r3eluctant to report incidents, because of embarrassment, guilt, or perceived responsibility, or because they lack specific recall of the assault.
Sexual assaults have long been linked to the abuse of substances, primarily alcohol, that may decrease inhibitions and render the user incapacitated.
Drugs used in sexual assaults’ typically are distributed at raves, dance clubs, and bars, but they are increasingly in high schools, on college campuses, and at private parties. Some of them are sold on the internet, some are found in homes, particularly prescription benzodiazepines.
Drug-facilitated sexual assault is illegal. Be very cautious when you’re out. Don’t leave your drinks sitting around and then go back to them. Know your surroundings and the people you are around.
If you think this has happened to you first, notify authorities and make a report and then get tested for STI’s.
This article was written and published by Cheryl Connor. Cheryl has since retired, and all posts she created have been associated with Jenifer Whitemire.
