Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault

The Drugs

Perpetrators choose the new generation of drugs due to their rapid onset of action, amnesic properties, ability to cause sexual disinhibition and loss of will to resist the assault. Alcoholic beverages potentiate the effects of the drugs (Schwartz, 2000).

Many of these drugs are used recreationally, putting the user at risk for drug-facilitated sexual assault (Rickert, 2000).

The list of drugs used to facilitate a sexual assault is long (Table 1). The most common are alcohol, benzodiazepines, marijuana, flunitrazepam (Rohypnol®), Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and Ketamine.

Public attention should be directed to the fact that alcohol and marijuana are still the most frequently detected substances in victims of sex crime.

Last Modified: September 5, 2006