Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) occurs when a substance is used to intentionally incapacitate a person and compromise their ability to consent to sexual activity. This includes situations where the perpetrator takes advantage of someone’s voluntary use of drugs or alcohol. A common perception is that a “date rape” drug such as a GHB or Rohypnol is used to perpetrate this type of assault, but the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada reports that alcohol is the most common substance involved in drug-facilitated sexual assault. Other substances used in DFSA are prescription sleep and anxiety medications, tranquilizers and over-the-counter drugs such as Gravol and Benadryl. Most victims of DFSA are women and majority are between the ages of 16 and 24. According to Canadian law, consent cannot be given if a person is incapable of consenting due to intoxication or incapacitation. Even if a person willingly drank or took drugs, they are not at fault for being sexually assaulted.
Some of the red flags to look for on a night out are:
- Making ‘jokes’ or comments about getting people drunk in order to have sex with them
- Pressuring others to drink more or drink faster
- Targeting the most visibly intoxicated person
- Making or ordering stronger drinks than what was asked for
- Trying to isolate an incapacitated person from friends
- Pressuring people to do drugs
- Purchasing someone drinks with a sense of requiring something in return
- Flirting with people who are visibly overly intoxicated
Signs and symptoms of DFSA:
- Slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Passing out
- Partial or full memory loss
- Hangover inconsistent with amount of alcohol/drugs consumed
- Soreness in genital area
- Bruises or marks on skin
- Abnormal discharge
- Sensation that something is not right or something happened
- Waking up in a different place and not knowing how you got there
- Waking up with clothes missing or put on differently
If you or someone you know has been a victim of DFSA, know that it is not your fault, regardless of the circumstances. Help is available. Getting evaluated by a healthcare provider is a deeply personal choice and some people may wish not to seek medical care. Options for Sexual Health is a great resource to provide information for choices surrounding your sexual health. https://www.optionsforsexualhealth.org/
The onus of preventing DFSA tends to be placed on victims, but society as a whole needs to take responsibility for prevention and education about sexual violence and consent. Non-profits such as Good Night Out are working to prevent sexual assault and harassment in the hospitality and nightlife sectors through education, outreach, and advocacy.
https://www.goodnightoutvancouver.com/
References
Campbell, M. (May 2014). Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault. Learning Network Brief (20). London, Ontario: Learning Network, Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children. http://www.vawlearningnetwork.ca/
https://rainn.org/articles/drug-facilitated-sexual-assault
https://www.plea.org/victims/victims-of-sexual-assault/serxual-assault-the-criminal-justic/drug-facilitated-sexual-assault
https://www.goodnightoutvancouver.com/dfsa