Any substance that alters ones level of consciousness and / or physical ability to resist or fight back can be used to commit Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA). Causing someone to ingest something without their awareness is called ‘drink-spiking’, ‘spiking,’ or non-consensual dosing.

Substances used include: alcohol, ghb, ketamine, opiates, edible / liquid cannabis products, over the counter medication such as Gravol, Benadryl, sleep aids, as well as any prescription medication with a sedative effect. Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in DFSA and attempted DFSA.

Dosing people with substances without their awareness and permission is a consent violation, even without any attempt at sexual contact. Just because someone consents to ingest one type of substance does not mean they consented to anything else.

If you run space where alcohol is consumed, you need to have procedures in place to prevent, detect and respond to suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault and attempted drug facilitated sexual assault. Download our posters and book a full length or pop-up training.

Redflags to watch out for when it comes to drink-spiking when someone is:

• Making 'jokes' or comments about getting people drunk in order to have sex with them.

• Pressuring others to drink faster, larger quantities, or stronger drinks.

• Targeting the most visibly intoxicated person in the space.

• Making or ordering drinks stronger than asked for.

• Trying to get an incapacitated person alone / away from friends, or outside of the space.

• Purchasing drinks for others with a sense of entitlement to attention or physicality in return.

• Pressuring people to do drugs.

• Flirting with people who are in need of care or support due to over intoxication.

Signs and symptoms that can accompany non-consensual dosing:

• Slurred Speech

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Headache

• Passing out

• Vomiting

• Alert & aware but unable to move

• Someone saying something like "I shouldn't be this drunk" or "I've only had one drink."

• Missing parts or all of the evening

• Hangover doesn’t match amount drank

• Indicators of sexual assault