A prospective study of drug-facilitated sexual assault in Barcelona

Abstract Background and objective To determine the frequency and characteristics of suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) among the victims of sexual assault in Barcelona. Material and methods Prospective study of every adult consulting an emergency service because of alleged sexual assault and receiving forensic assessment in the city of Barcelona in 2011. Results A total of 35 of 114 cases (30.7%) met suspected DFSA criteria. Compared with the other victims, suspected DFSA cases were more likely to experience amnesia, to have been assaulted by night, after a social situation and by a recently acquainted man, to have used alcohol before the assault and to be foreigners. In this group ethanol was detected in blood or urine in 48.4% of analysed cases; their mean back calculated blood alcohol concentration was 2.29 g/L (SD 0.685). Also, at least one central nervous system drug other than ethanol was detected in 60.6%, mainly stimulant drugs of abuse. Conclusions Suspected DFSA is frequent among victims of alleged sexual assault in Barcelona nowadays. The depressor substance most commonly encountered is alcohol, which contributes to victims’ vulnerability.