Resources

What is DFSA?

Drugs Commonly Used

How These Drugs Work

Warning Signs

Join Sip Safe

DFSA Statistics

Our Mission

For All Seasons'Sip Safe campaign's mission is to raise awareness about the risks of drug and alcohol-facilitated sexual assault, and encourage proactive behaviors that protect the safety of self and others. 


Through education, community engagement, and collaboration with local businesses and organizations, we strive to create a culture of respect and accountability, ensuring everyone can enjoy their social experiences free from harm and fear.

What is Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault?

Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) occurs when alcohol or drugs are used to compromise an individual’s ability to consent to sexual activity. These substances make it easier for a perpetrator to commit sexual assault because they inhibit a person’s ability to resist and can prevent them from remembering the assault.

DFSA can happen to anyone, by anyone, whether the perpetrator is a date, a stranger, an acquaintance, or someone you have known a long time.

Drugs Commonly Used in DFSA

Alcohol

Alcohol remains the most commonly used drug in crimes of sexual assault. It can inhibit a person’s ability to resist and prevent them from remembering the assault. Alcohol can also increase the effects of other drugs used in DFSAs.

Rohypnol

Often misused to physically and psychologically incapacitate a person targeted for sexual assault. The drug is usually placed in the alcoholic drink of an unsuspecting victim to incapacitate them and prevent resistance to sexual assault. The drug leaves the victim unaware of what has happened to them. Leaves the body's system within 36-72 hours.

GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid) & GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone)

GHB and GBL induce a sense of euphoria and intoxication and are abused for their central nervous system depressant effect. An overdose from GBL or GHB may result in respiratory depression, coma, and even death. Both substances have been associated with DFSAs. GHB leaves the body within 10-12 hours. GBL leaves the urinary system within 6 hours and the bloodstream within 24 hours.

Ketamine

A general anesthetic that causes individuals to feel detached from their bodies and surroundings. During an assault, a victim may be aware of what is happening, but unable to move or fight back. Ketamine may also cause amnesia so that the victim does not remember the events that occurred.

How These Drugs Work

These drugs are typically odorless, colorless, and tasteless when placed in a drink. One exception is GBL, which has a bitter taste that can be masked by strong-tasting drinks.

Within 30 minutes of ingestion, the individual may struggle to talk or move and may pass out. At this point, the person is vulnerable to assault. Because of the effects of the drug, the victim may have little or no recollection of the events and many victims do not report the crime.

Not everyone is affected the same way. It is difficult to predict the exact effects of any drug on a particular individual. The effects may vary depending upon the drug, the dose ingested, and whether the drug is mixed with alcohol or other drugs. Other factors that influence how a particular drug will affect someone are weight, gender, metabolism, and other issues, such as how soon medical assistance is received.

Warning Signs of DFSA

The following lists reveal the behaviors of those who seek to drug or influence and the symptoms that appear in an individual who has been drugged or influenced. If any of the following signs are observed, don't be afraid to seek support! Visit our resources to know your options.

Red Flags to Watch for in a Perpetrator

  • They offer to buy drinks or drugs without invitation and pressure others to consume them.
  • They try to separate the victim from their friends or support network.
  • Teams of two often work together. One talks, while the other drugs. They “help” the victim out of the bar.
  • They insist on being the one to pour drinks or open bottles.
  • They exhibit an unusual interest in someone's vulnerability or impaired state.

Signs of Non-Consensual Drugging

  • Dizziness or loss of muscle control/coordination
  • Slurred speech
  • Memory loss or impairment
  • Loss of bowel/bladder control and vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Sudden body temperature change
  • Intoxication level does not match the amount of alcohol consumed - "I can't be drunk, I've only had one drink."

Creating Spaces to Sip Safe

If you operate a venue where alcohol is served, it is essential to implement procedures to prevent, detect, and address suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault and attempted drug-facilitated sexual assault. We encourage you to download our informational posters, discuss safety plans with staff, and keep resources readily available to ensure preparedness.

Prevalence of DFSA

Many cases of DFSA go unreported due to victims’ memory loss (due to the drugs), shame, or fear of not being believed. This contributes to underreporting, making it difficult to get an accurate picture of the scope of drug-facilitated sexual assault.

While comprehensive statistics on DFSA are hard to find, some key data points and findings, provided by MCASA, can provide insight into the prevalence of this issue.

  • Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
  • Nearly 1 out of every 5 American women, 18 years or older, has been the victim of at least one attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.
  • 1 out of 71 American men, 18 years or older, has been a victim of rape in their lifetime.
  • 44% of all rape victims are younger than 18, and thus not included in the statistics for 18+.
  • Only about 34% of rapes and sexual assaults were reported to police in 2019, making it one of the most underreported crimes.
  • The U.S. Department of Justice indicates that alcohol is a factor in approximately 50% of sexual assault cases. While not all of these cases involve DFSA, a significant portion may involve alcohol impairing the victim’s ability to consent or resist.
  • Approximately 80% of all rapes and sexual assaults are committed by someone who is known to the victim. 33% of perpetrators were a current or former spouse or partner, and 39% were an acquaintance of the victim.
  • A study by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) found that 25% to 50% of sexual assault cases reported to law enforcement involved alcohol or drugs that facilitated the crime.

Resources

If you or someone you know has experienced drug-facilitated sexual assault (or had their drink spiked), we encourage you to utilize the information and resources below. You have options, including calling the For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center hotline, going to the hospital, or calling the police. It is your choice to report the crime to the police. For All Seasons staff provides support and confidentiality.  If you choose to report the crime, staff is available to accompany you to medical, police, and court appointments.

You are not alone, and seeking help from For All Seasons' Rape Crisis Center is a courageous step toward healing after a traumatic experience. Our compassionate advocacy team offers immediate emotional support, access to short or long-term therapy, and resources tailored to your individual needs. We believe you, and we are here to listen. Your health and wellness are our priority, and we stand ready to support you in the process of reclaiming a sense of control and well-being.

Website: ForAllSeasonsInc.org

Main Office: 410.822.1018

24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 410-820-5600

Download these FREE resource PDFs to share with staff, friends, and family.

Help raise awareness by displaying them in community spaces and venues that serve alcohol!

Download

Enter your email below if you would like to receive FREE safety precaution tools (NightCap scrunchie drink cover & drink spiking prevention sticker):