Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drug-facilitated sexual assault, don't hesitate to reach out to Ohio Sex Abuse Lawyer. Our team of dedicated attorneys is here to support and guide you through the legal process. With years of experience in handling countless cases involving victims who have been drugged and sexually assaulted, our commitment to seeking justice and obtaining results for our clients is unparalleled. Call us today to schedule a confidential consultation and let us fight for your rights.
What is a Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault?
Drug-facilitated sexual assault is an insidious crime that infringes upon an individual's autonomy to consent or deny sexual activity. The use of alcohol or drugs in this malicious act serves to undermine a person's ability to resist and often leads to impaired recollection of the assault. It is important to recognize that anyone can fall victim to drug-facilitated sexual assault, regardless of their relationship with the perpetrator. While alcohol remains the most frequently employed substance in these cases, perpetrators may utilize various drugs such as Rohypnol, GHB, GBL, and ketamine to render their victims defenseless. It is crucial to note that the notion of "date rape" can be misleading, as drug-facilitated sexual assault can occur outside the boundaries of a traditional dating situation. The profound debilitation caused by any drug, in sufficient quantities, renders its victims helpless and perpetuates the cycle of sexual violence.
Drugs Used in Sexual Assaults
Rohypnol, GHB, GBL, and Ketamine are drugs that perpetrators sometimes use to make it easier to sexually assault someone. These drugs can make a person feel sleepy and forgetful, and when combined with alcohol, their effects become even stronger.
These drugs have no smell, color, or taste when added to a drink. One exception is GBL, which has a bitter taste that can be hidden with strong-tasting drinks. Within 30 minutes of drinking them, a person may have trouble speaking or moving and could faint. This makes them vulnerable to being attacked. Because of the drug's effects, the victim may not remember what happened and many victims don't report the crime. Not everyone reacts the same to these drugs. It's hard to know exactly how a drug will affect someone. The effects can vary based on the drug, the amount taken, and whether it's mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Other things that can affect how a drug affects someone include weight, gender, metabolism, and how quickly they get medical help.
Roofie, also known as Rohypnol or flunitrazepam, is a type of drug called a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat insomnia but has not been approved for medical use in the United States. However, it is commonly misused to make someone unable to resist sexual assault. This drug is usually put in someone's drink without their knowledge, causing them to be unaware of what happened to them.
Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) is a chemical that is commonly used to make the illegal drug called gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB).
GBL is an illegal chemical used to make GHB. There is no other chemical known to replace GBL in this illegal process. GBL can be easily converted to GHB or taken directly. When consumed, the body effortlessly converts GBL into GHB. GBL is often used in place of GHB to achieve the same state of intoxication. Both GBL and GHB produce feelings of extreme happiness and intoxication and are misused for their ability to depress the central nervous system. Taking excessive amounts of GBL or GHB can cause slowed breathing, unconsciousness, and even death. These substances are also associated with instances of drug-assisted sexual assaults.
Ketamine is a drug used by sexual assault perpetrators that makes people feel disconnected from their bodies and surroundings. It can immobilize victims during an assault, making it difficult for them to defend themselves. Ketamine may also cause memory loss, so victims may not remember what happened to them..
No Ability to Consent
Drugs and alcohol can impair thinking and judgment, which legal authorities interpret differently in each state. Diminished capacity means a person is unable to give consent. This may happen if someone is asleep, unconscious, or mentally impaired. It's crucial to grasp the concept of diminished capacity because victims often blame themselves for consuming drugs or alcohol. It's important to emphasize that the victim is not at fault; the person who took advantage of their impaired state is responsible.
Signs You May Have Been Drugged
Depending on the substance, the initial effects of a drug can go unnoticed or become apparent very quickly. Being familiar with the warning signs can help alert you to the possibility of drugs in your system. • Nausea • Loss of bowel or bladder control • Difficulty breathing • Feeling drunk when you haven’t consumed any alcohol or consumed very limited amounts • Sudden increase in dizziness, disorientation, or blurred vision • Sudden body temperature change that could be signaled by sweating or chattering teeth • Waking up with no memory or missing large portions of memories. If you notice any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, immediately reach out to someone you trust. If you notice these symptoms in another person, you should take steps to keep that person safe.
Need Confidential Legal Help?
Call (216) 658-9900.
If you or someone you know may have been drugged, it is important to get legal help from caring and experienced attorneys. At Ohio Sex Abuse Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping survivors of drug-facilitated sexual assaults hold those responsible accountable. Our attorneys have the skills and resources to investigate and build strong cases for survivors in Ohio and across the country. If you or someone you know has been a victim of being drugged, please call our Cleveland, Ohio, Sexual Abuse Lawyer at 216-658-9900. We offer a free and confidential consultation to discuss your options and provide guidance and support. Let us assist you on your journey to healing and justice.
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