We’ve all heard about the date-rape drug, GHB or “roofies,” usually defined as a substance that someone with malicious intent pours into someone else’s drink with the intention of sexually assaulting them. This drug causes the victim to lose their inhibitions and leaves them unable to remember anything the next day.
Although this sensationalist, frightening scenario is unfortunately based on real facts, it also feeds into the myth of the perfect victim that minimizes the presence of sexual violence in society. It is crucial to remember that sexual violence is insidious and can occur in any situation.
The most common date-rape drug is alcohol
The main intoxicant used in connection with drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is alcohol. However, the one we most hear about is sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, a colourless, odourless substance that is illegal in Canada. Date-rape drugs also include medications prescribed for insomnia, anxiety or even epilepsy. These non-alcoholic substances can be poured into a glass of liquid or injected with a syringe.
Sexual assailants can take advantage of a victim who is impaired by alcohol, cannabis or any other substance, legal or illegal, that affects the victim’s senses or energy levels. The intoxicant is not always administered without the victim’s knowledge; they may consume or even abuse it voluntarily. It is important to understand, however, that a victim who has ingested intoxicants of their own free will is no more responsible for their assault than if they were drugged unknowingly. They are no less a victim.
Taking advantage of another person’s vulnerability to engage in sexual activity without their consent is sexual assault—no matter what substance was used or under what circumstances it was ingested.
When in doubt
If you do not remember certain events and are worried that someone may have taken advantage of a given situation to have sex with you, don’t hesitate to go to a designated centre that provides medico-social intervention services for victims of sexual assault. You are entitled to seek support if you have even the slightest doubt.
Designated centres offer victims comprehensive assistance; all their needs (health, psychological, safety, legal, etc.) will be assessed and met.
Testing and care
At the designated centres for medico-social intervention, urine and/or blood samples can be taken soon after the assault. Traces of date-rape drugs could be found if the victim chooses to report the assault to the police. The samples will be analyzed in a laboratory, and the results sent to the police investigators in charge of the case.
Sometimes it can take several days to realize that something abnormal has happened, however. Since some substances are eliminated from the body very quickly, after a few days it is no longer possible to confirm whether a date-rape drug was consumed or, if so, to identify it. The absence of validation by laboratory testing does not mean that the assault didn’t happen. If you had an unusual reaction (such as excessive drowsiness or blackout) after only one or two drinks, trust your intuition. You know your body. Anyone who suspects they have been sexually assaulted can receive support at a designated centre for up to six months after the event.
