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Drug-facilitated sexual assault ('date rape')
R H Schwartz1, R Milteer, M A LeBeau
1Department of Pediatrics, Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Falls Church, VA, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|July 6, 2000
Summary
Date-rape drugs like flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) are frequently used in sexual assaults. This review covers these drugs, detection methods, and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is a growing concern, with increasing media attention.
- Commonly used substances include flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and its analogs.
- These drugs are chosen for their rapid onset, disinhibiting effects, muscle relaxation, and ability to induce anterograde amnesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common date-rape drugs and their effects.
- To provide information on laboratory testing for these substances.
- To offer guidelines for preventing drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles and forensic reports.
- Analysis of drug properties, pharmacokinetics, and detection methods.
- Compilation of prevention strategies based on expert recommendations.
Main Results:
- Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) and GHB are prevalent in DFSA cases.
- Alcohol potentiates the effects of these date-rape drugs.
- Effective laboratory testing protocols are crucial for identifying these substances.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the properties and detection of date-rape drugs is vital for combating DFSA.
- Implementing comprehensive prevention strategies can help reduce the incidence of these assaults.
- Raising public awareness and providing resources for victims are essential components of prevention.