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Prego-Meleiro P, Recalde-Esnoz I, Sordo L, Del Castillo H, García-Ruiz C, Montalvo G, López-Cuadrado T. Drug-facilitated sexual assault in youth nightlife contexts in Spain. Public Health 2024; 233:157-163. [PMID: 38901300 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to provide epidemiological information on drug-facilitated sexual assault in Spanish youth partying, with a focus on prevalence rates and associated sociodemographic factors. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Quota sampling was used to recruit 1601 young people aged 18-35 years in Spain from a digital panel. A validated questionnaire on drug-facilitated sexual assault was used to assess five types of lifetime victimisation experiences while partying. Chi-square and the exact Fisher tests were used to describe the prevalence of victimisation, drug use patterns, and perpetrator profiles. Generalised ordered logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with victimisation, analysed by gender. RESULTS Half of young women and one-quarter of young men had experienced drug-facilitated sexual assault in their lifetime. Female victimisation due to touching and kissing was notably high, whereas men comprised almost half of the victims of more invasive DFSA experiences involving masturbation, penetration, and oral sex. Opportunism prevailed as the assault tactic, consisting of taking advantage of the victims' incapacity derived from voluntary alcohol use. Among women, risk of victimisation was associated with a lower education level, foreign-born status, and being non-heterosexual. Male victimisation risk was highest among non-heterosexual men. CONCLUSIONS Drug-facilitated sexual violence in youth nightlife contexts is a serious public health issue in Spain, which requires urgent action. Most assaults involve taking advantage of victims who are incapacitated by the effects of voluntary alcohol consumption. This sexual violence primarily affects women with lower educational levels or those who are foreign-born and non-heterosexual men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Prego-Meleiro
- Department of Public-Health and Maternal-Child, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Alcalá, Observatorio Universitario de Violencia Sexual Facilitada por Drogas, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.6, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - I Recalde-Esnoz
- Universidad de Alcalá, Observatorio Universitario de Violencia Sexual Facilitada por Drogas, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.6, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Ciencias de la Educación, C/ San Cirilio, s/n, 28804, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Sordo
- Department of Public-Health and Maternal-Child, Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; Health Research Institute, San Carlos University Hospital (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - H Del Castillo
- Universidad de Alcalá, Observatorio Universitario de Violencia Sexual Facilitada por Drogas, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.6, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Ciencias de la Educación, C/ San Cirilio, s/n, 28804, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - C García-Ruiz
- Universidad de Alcalá, Observatorio Universitario de Violencia Sexual Facilitada por Drogas, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.6, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.6, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Montalvo
- Universidad de Alcalá, Observatorio Universitario de Violencia Sexual Facilitada por Drogas, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.6, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain; Universidad de Alcalá, Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona km 33.6, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - T López-Cuadrado
- National Center for Epidemiology, Carlos III Health Institute, 28029, Madrid, Spain
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Recalde-Esnoz I, Prego-Meleiro P, Montalvo G, Del Castillo H. Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:1814-1825. [PMID: 37650508 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231195877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Since the last two decades, the scientific community has made an effort to analyze drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). However, a lack of understanding remains about the DFSA problem, particularly concerning the opportunistic variant. Facing this situation, a systematic review of the term DFSA is carried out from its first appearance in the scientific databases consulted (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed) to the current day. The search resulted in 773 publications, reduced to a final study sample composed of 19 articles. Eligible studies for this review had to meet certain inclusion criteria, in addition to providing information on DFSA prevalence, DFSA victim profile, DFSA offender profile, involved drugs, or contextual information about the assault. The results demonstrated that the assailants are men, who mostly know victims before the assault. The victims are young women under 30 years old. Alcohol is the drug involved in most DFSA cases, prevailing a voluntary use. Most assaults occur in private spaces, particularly the aggressors' own homes. Furthermore, there is a detected need for a standard definition of DFSA to allow the different actors involved in dealing with sexual violence to work effectively together, and, at the same time, it is detected that the available studies overrepresent proactive DFSA and underestimate opportunism, the most common modus operandi involved in DFSA cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo Prego-Meleiro
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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Liautard M, Magny R, Houzé P, Deguette C, Alcaraz E, Douaouria S, Gorgiard C, Labat L, Dufayet L. Pro-active drug-facilitated crimes (DFC): a study in the Department of Forensic Medicine of Paris, France. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:415-430. [PMID: 37768350 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03090-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proactive drug facilitated crime (DFC) is the administration of psychoactive substances (PAS) for criminal purposes without the victim's knowledge or by force. In Paris, France, patients who report suspected proactive DFC to the police are examined at the Department of Forensic Medicine (DFM) of the Hôtel-Dieu Hospital. Preventively blood and urine samples are collected but not systematically analyzed by the judicial authority. We aimed to assess the proportion of probable proactive DFC in patients examined at the Hôtel-Dieu DFM following a police report for suspected proactive DFC. METHOD Blood and urine samples were collected from 100 patients. Toxicological analyses were performed by the toxicology laboratory of the Lariboisière Hospital. The results were correlated with the clinical data collected at the initial and follow-up consultations. RESULTS At least one PAS was detected in 86% of the cases (voluntary or involuntary intake). After correlation with clinical data, 32% of the cases were classified as probable proactive DFC. In these cases, 49% of the substances identified were illicit substances (amphetamines, MDMA, etc.); 16% were benzodiazepines and related substances; 16% were antihistamines and sedatives; 14% were opioids; and 5% were antidepressants and anti-epileptics. In 90% of the cases, patients reported a voluntary ethanol consumption in the hours prior to the suspected proactive DFC. CONCLUSION Toxicological analyses revealed a high proportion of both probable proactive DFC and probable opportunistic DFC. Our results indicate the need to perform systematical toxicological analysis in cases of suspected DFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Liautard
- Department of Forensic Medicine, APHP Hôtel-Dieu, 1 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004, Paris, France.
- Forensic Institute of Paris, 2 Voie Mazas, 75012, Paris, France.
| | - Romain Magny
- Biological Toxicology Laboratory, Toxicology Federation Fetox, APHP Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal, 2 Rue Ambroise Paré, 75010, Paris, France
- UMRS 1144, INSERM, Pharmacy Faculty, 4 Av. de L'Observatoire, 75006, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, 85 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Houzé
- Biological Toxicology Laboratory, Toxicology Federation Fetox, APHP Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal, 2 Rue Ambroise Paré, 75010, Paris, France
- UMRS 1144, INSERM, Pharmacy Faculty, 4 Av. de L'Observatoire, 75006, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, 85 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Céline Deguette
- Department of Forensic Medicine, APHP Hôtel-Dieu, 1 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004, Paris, France
- Forensic Institute of Paris, 2 Voie Mazas, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Elizabeth Alcaraz
- Department of Forensic Medicine, APHP Hôtel-Dieu, 1 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004, Paris, France
| | - Sophia Douaouria
- National Office for the Indemnification of Medical Accidents, Iatrogeneous and Nosocomial Infections (ONIAM), Tour Altaïs - 1 Place Aimé Césaire, 93100, Montreuil, France
| | - Charlotte Gorgiard
- Department of Forensic Medicine, APHP Hôtel-Dieu, 1 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004, Paris, France
- Forensic Institute of Paris, 2 Voie Mazas, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Labat
- Biological Toxicology Laboratory, Toxicology Federation Fetox, APHP Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal, 2 Rue Ambroise Paré, 75010, Paris, France
- UMRS 1144, INSERM, Pharmacy Faculty, 4 Av. de L'Observatoire, 75006, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, 85 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006, Paris, France
| | - L Dufayet
- Department of Forensic Medicine, APHP Hôtel-Dieu, 1 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004, Paris, France
- UMRS 1144, INSERM, Pharmacy Faculty, 4 Av. de L'Observatoire, 75006, Paris, France
- Paris Cité University, 85 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006, Paris, France
- Paris Poison Control Center, Toxicology Federation Fetox, APHP Lariboisière-Fernand Widal, 200 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010, Paris, France
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Skov K, Johansen SS, Linnet K, Rasmussen BS, Nielsen MKK. Exploring Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Urine Samples for Investigation of Drugs Associated with Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 17:13. [PMID: 38275999 PMCID: PMC10818341 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Analyzing urine is common in drug-facilitated sexual assault cases if the analysis of blood is not optimal. The efficient enzymatic pretreatment of urine is important for cleaving glucuronides and improving the detection of the parent drug. The aim was to investigate the efficiency of three β-glucuronidases on eleven glucuronides relevant to DFSA at different incubation periods and temperatures. Human drug-free urine was fortified with 11 glucuronides, hydrolyzed with either β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase (Helix Pomatia), recombinant β-glucuronidase B-One™ or recombinant β-glucuronidase BGTurbo™ and incubated for 5, 10, 60 min, 18 h and 24 h at 20 °C/40 °C/55 °C before UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. The stability of 141 drugs and metabolites relevant to DFSA was investigated by incubating fortified urine under the same hydrolysis conditions. B-One™ showed efficient hydrolysis (>90%) of most glucuronides in 5 min at all temperatures, while BGTurbo™ showed a similar efficiency (>90%), but the optimal temperature (20-55 °C) and incubation time (5-60 min) varied among analytes. The β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase had the lowest efficiency and required the longest incubation (24 h) at 40-55 °C. The stability of 99% of 141 drugs and metabolites was not affected by incubation at 20-55 °C for 24 h. Recombinant enzymes show promising results for the simple and efficient hydrolysis of a broad panel of glucuronides relevant for DFSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine Skov
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (S.S.J.); (K.L.); (B.S.R.); (M.K.K.N.)
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Skov K, Johansen SS, Linnet K, Klose Nielsen MK. Uncovering forensic evidence of drug-facilitated sexual assault: Toxicological findings from Eastern Denmark from 2015-2022. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 65:102325. [PMID: 37783000 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
In drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA), the victim is unable to provide consent or resists sexual activity due to substance intoxication by voluntary or covert consumption. Obtaining forensic evidence of the assault is challenged by rapid drug metabolism and late sample collection. The objective of this study was to present toxicological findings and associated demographics from police reported sexual assault cases in Eastern Denmark from 2015 to 2022. A total of 369 sexual assault cases were submitted for analysis and a subgroup of 268 cases were categorized as suspected DFSA cases. The majority of the total sexual assault victims were women at the age 15-25 and the perpetrators were often unknown or an acquaintance. Time from assault to sample collection was slightly longer for suspected DFSA cases (12-24 h) compared to non-DFSA (<12 h). Positive toxicology was observed in 86 % of cases and the most common drug groups included alcohol (45 %), drugs of abuse (38 %), antidepressants (14 %), antihistamines (12 %), and benzodiazepines (11 %). Hypnotics were detected to a smaller extent (7 %). A total of 77 drugs were detected and the most commonly observed were cocaine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cetirizine, amphetamine, diazepam and sertraline. The high level of observed alcohol and drugs of abuse indicated that most DFSA cases in Eastern Denmark were of an opportunistic approach rather than proactive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine Skov
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Sys Stybe Johansen
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Linnet
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Katrine Klose Nielsen
- Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Djezzar S, Gaulier JM, Gorgiard C, Chèze M, Alvarez JC, Martin C, Dumestre-Toulet V, Lavit M, Mathieu O, Eysseric H, Berland E, Roussel C, Gaillard Y, Hurtel-Lemaire AS, Deveaux M, Pion C. Assessment of 19 years of a prospective national survey on drug-facilitated crimes in France. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 65:102297. [PMID: 37597347 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Drug facilitated-crime or chemical submission (DFC/CS) is defined as the concealed or forced administration of psychoactive substances to a victim for criminal purposes. This is a national program set up in the early 2000 s in the form of a prospective multicenter survey, the results of which this manuscript presents. Over this 19-year period, 5487 cases were collected, analyzed and classified into 54 % of suspected cases, 29 % of chemical vulnerability (CV) cases and 17 % of proven DFC/CS cases. In the overall data, the most prevalent victims were female (81 %), with an average age of 27 years. Sexual assault was the most frequent aggression (77 %), followed by theft (14 %). Victims of proven DFC/CS cases were from of all ages including children and elderly. In 934 victims of DFC/CS, 100 various psychoactive substances were detected mostly represented by benzodiazepines and z-drugs (55 %), various sedatives including antihistamines (16 %) and non-therapeutic substances (16 %). Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) was found in 4 % cases. In CV cases, alcohol (90 %) and cannabis (32 %) intake were mainly involved. In France, despite prevention messages, DFC/CS has been an epidemic for many years and has been proven by our national study. This national program has the aim to identifying the substances used but unfortunately not the goal to fight against this phenomenon. Since 2009, we observed a new modus operandi of the aggressors who pose as taxi drivers facilitating the reception of the victims leaving nightclubs. We can emphasize that GHB is not the "date rape drug" but rather the benzodiazepine class is.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Djezzar
- Addictovigilance Center, hôpital Fernand Widal, AP-HP-Nord-Université de Paris, 200, rue du Fg Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris, France.
| | | | - Charlotte Gorgiard
- Forensic emergencies, hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, AP-HP. Centre - Université de Paris, France
| | | | - Jean-Claude Alvarez
- Pharmacology-Toxicology Laboratory, hôpital Raymond Poincaré, AP-HP. Université Paris Saclay, France
| | - Claire Martin
- Toxicology Section, National Institute of Forensic Science, INPS-LPS75, Paris, France
| | | | - Michel Lavit
- Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology Laboratory, CHU, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Mathieu
- Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, CHU Montpellier, France
| | - Hélène Eysseric
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, CHU Grenoble, France
| | - Emilie Berland
- Toxicology Section, National Institute of Forensic Science, INPS-LPS13, Marseille, France
| | - Carine Roussel
- Toxicology Section, National Institute of Forensic Science, INPS-LPS31, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | | | - Charlotte Pion
- Addictovigilance Department, Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM), Saint-Denis, France
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Wang X, Xiang P, Zhang S, Wang J, Zhang J, Wu H, Wang X. Retrospective analysis of forensic toxicology data from 2021 to identify patterns of various forensic cases. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 347:111683. [PMID: 37068373 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Knowing and analyzing the characteristics and trends of forensic toxicology cases in a certain area is particularly important for a local government to establish an effective prevention and control system. The purpose of this work was to summarize data from forensic toxicology cases received by the Academy of Forensic Sciences (AFS) in 2021. METHODS As requested by the police or according to the details of cases, samples were systematically screened or analyzed by various methods. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to identify medicinal drugs, drugs of abuse, pesticides, poison gases, etc. RESULTS: AFS received a total of 17,758 cases in 2021, of which 314 cases underwent autopsy. The main cause of death was sudden death, and the manner of death was mainly accident. Among 13,744 drug abuse cases, the number of positive cases was 1721, with a positive rate of 12.5%, and synthetic cannabinoids were the most frequently detected substances. In 3640 traffic cases, 85.3% of drivers were suspected of drunk driving. In 103 poisoning cases, hydrogen sulfide poisoning and pesticide suicide account for a large proportion. In drug-facilitated crimes, zolpidem was the most frequently tested component. In 55 case of dog poisonings, the main poisons were cyanides and succinylcholine, and the main poisoning tools were poisonous baits and poisonous syringe darts. CONCLUSIONS This study profiles the toxicological characteristics of forensic toxicological cases conducted at the AFS in 2021 and provides a scientific basis for poisoning cases and drug abuse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinying Wang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China; School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Sujing Zhang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinming Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Hejian Wu
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai, China.
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Liautard M, Deguette C, Alcaraz E, Diot H, Vasseur P, Gorgiard C, Dufayet L. Male Victims of Rape: An Observational Study over Four Years in Paris, France. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13909. [PMID: 36360787 PMCID: PMC9654345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sexual violence is a common and under-reported form of violence that affects all categories of individuals. We sought to provide epidemiological data on men aged 15 years and over, victims of rape or suspecting a rape, and who reported it to the police. We conducted a retrospective study at the Department of Forensic Medicine of Hôtel-Dieu, Paris, France, between 2018 and 2021. Two-hundred men were included in the study, with an average age of 28.8 years. A vulnerability was mentioned for 17.5% of them. Most of the patients reported anal penetration, committed by a single male assailant, whom they met on the day of the assault. More than 60% of the patients reported the voluntary consumption of alcohol and/or illicit substances prior to the assault. Most patients were examined shortly after the assault (median 1 day). Anal lesions were found on examination in 37.0% of patients reporting anal penetration regardless of the time frame. The presence of anal lesions was statistically higher when patients were examined within 48 h. Our results reinforce the data in the literature on the risk factors associated with sexual violence among men, notably the consumption of alcohol and illicit substances, and psychological, economic, and social vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Liautard
- Unité Médico-Judiciaire, Hôtel-Dieu, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), 75004 Paris, France
| | - Céline Deguette
- Unité Médico-Judiciaire, Hôtel-Dieu, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), 75004 Paris, France
- Institut Médico-Légal de Paris, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Elizabeth Alcaraz
- Unité Médico-Judiciaire, Hôtel-Dieu, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), 75004 Paris, France
| | - Hélène Diot
- Unité Médico-Judiciaire, Hôtel-Dieu, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), 75004 Paris, France
| | - Patricia Vasseur
- Unité Médico-Judiciaire, Hôtel-Dieu, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), 75004 Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Gorgiard
- Unité Médico-Judiciaire, Hôtel-Dieu, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), 75004 Paris, France
- Institut Médico-Légal de Paris, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Laurène Dufayet
- Unité Médico-Judiciaire, Hôtel-Dieu, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), 75004 Paris, France
- Centre Antipoison de Paris—Fédération de Toxicologie (FeTox), Hôpital Fernand-Widal, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), 75010 Paris, France
- INSERM, UMRS-1144, Faculté de Pharmacie, 75006 Paris, France
- UFR de Médecine, Université de Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
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Cabarcos-Fernández P, Tabernero-Duque MJ, Álvarez-Freire I, Bermejo-Barrera AM. Sexual Assault: Approach to Reality in the Area of Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, Spain) through a 12-Year Retrospective Study. J Anal Toxicol 2022; 46:e218-e222. [PMID: 36208150 PMCID: PMC9872222 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual assault constitutes a severely traumatic experience that impacts the lives of far too many victims each year. The underlying behaviors of the offenders are often associated with psychological, physical and social distress, and the use of psychotropic substances was found in a good number of cases. A descriptive and retrospective review of sexual assault cases has been undertaken to identify trends in the toxicology findings in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault in Santiago de Compostela over the past 12 years. During this period, a total of 69 cases were referred to the Forensic Toxicology Service as sexual assault cases. The sex and age distribution of the cases showed that females between the ages of 14 and 65 years constituted the group most frequently submitted to sexual assault, with a peak of 55.1% in the 18- to 30-year age group. Alcohol consumption was positive in 77.1% of positive cases determined, followed by drugs (34.4%) and illicit drugs (26.2%). Our results showed a high percentage of alcohol consumption in sexual assault cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M J Tabernero-Duque
- Forensic Toxicology Service, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/San Francisco s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - I Álvarez-Freire
- Forensic Toxicology Service, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/San Francisco s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
| | - A M Bermejo-Barrera
- Forensic Toxicology Service, Institute of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, C/San Francisco s/n, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain
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Prego-Meleiro P, García-Ruiz C, Sanz-Pareja M, Recalde Esnoz I, Quintanilla MG, Montalvo G. Forensic intelligence-led prevention of drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 337:111373. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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An approximation to the identification of contexts, experiences, and profiles of victims of drug-facilitated sexual assaults. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 90:102376. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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12
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Almofti N, Ballesteros-Gómez A, Rubio S, Girela-López E. Analysis of conventional and nonconventional forensic specimens in drug-facilitated sexual assault by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Talanta 2022; 250:123713. [PMID: 35779361 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) has dramatically increased in the last decades. Forensic analytical scientists continuously seek new methods and specimens to prove the incidence of intoxication for the judiciary system. Factors influencing sample selection include the ease of obtaining the samples and the window of detection of the drugs, among others. Both conventional (blood, urine) and non-conventional specimens (hair, nails, fluids) have been proposed as suitable in DFSA cases. Reported sample treatments include a variety of liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction as well as dilute-and-shoot procedures and microextraction techniques. Regarding analysis, liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has emerged as the preferred confirmatory technique, due to its sensitivity, selectivity, and wide-scope applicability. In this review, we critically discuss the most common specimens and sample treatments/analysis procedures (related to LC-MS/MS) that have been reported during the last ten years. As a final goal, we intend to provide a critical overview and suggest analytical recommendations for the establishment of suitable analytical strategies in DFSA cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Almofti
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry, Marie Curie Annex Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain; Section of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Department of Morphological and Sociosanitary Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - A Ballesteros-Gómez
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry, Marie Curie Annex Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain.
| | - S Rubio
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemistry and Nanochemistry, Marie Curie Annex Building, Campus of Rabanales, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
| | - E Girela-López
- Section of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Department of Morphological and Sociosanitary Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Córdoba, 14071, Córdoba, Spain
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13
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Pérez Orts M, van Asten A, Kohler I. The Evolution Toward Designer Benzodiazepines in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault Cases. J Anal Toxicol 2022; 47:1-25. [PMID: 35294022 PMCID: PMC9942444 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is a crime where the victim is unable to provide sexual consent due to incapacitation resulting from alcohol or drug consumption. Due to the large number of substances possibly used in DFSA, including illicit, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, DFSA faces many toxicological challenges. Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are ideal candidates for DFSA, as they are active at low doses, have a fast onset of action and can be easily administered orally. The last decade has seen the emergence of designer benzodiazepines (DBZDs), which show slight modifications compared with BZDs and similar pharmacological effects but are not controlled under the international drug control system. DBZDs represent an additional challenge due to the number of new entities regularly appearing in the market, their possibly higher potency and the limited knowledge available on their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties. Many BZDs and DBZDs have a short half-life, leading to rapid metabolism and excretion. The low concentrations and short time windows for the detection of BZD in body fluids require the use of highly sensitive analysis methods to enable the detection of drugs and their respective metabolites. This review discusses the current state of the toxicological analysis of BZDs and DBZDs in forensic casework and their pharmacokinetic properties (i.e., absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination), as well as their analysis in biosamples typically encountered in DFSA (i.e., blood, urine and hair).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Pérez Orts
- Van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Arian van Asten
- Van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands,Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands,Centre for Analytical Sciences Amsterdam (CASA), Science Park, 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Poulsen H, McCarthy MJ, Baker J, Verma A, Moir HJ, Brodie T, Thatti B, Trotter G, Rooney B. Toxicological Assessment of the Role of Alcohol and Drugs in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault Cases in New Zealand. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:44-52. [PMID: 32159218 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This report details the toxicology profile of victims of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) in New Zealand from 2015 to 2018. This study represents all of the toxicology results for DFSA cases in New Zealand during this time period, of which there were 161 cases. Blood and urine samples were screened for legal and illicit drugs in addition to testing for alcohol and correlating alcohol concentration with sampling delay. Our results indicate that increased delay in sampling time resulted in a corresponding decrease in alcohol concentration. In victims who had declared alcohol use but of which none was detected, the average sampling time was 14 hours for blood and 17 hours for urine, which is in excess of the average sampling delay for even the lowest alcohol-positive samples. The most frequently detected alcohol concentration was in the range of 51-80 mg/100 mL for blood and 121-200 mg/100 mL for urine with an average sampling time of 8.5 and 6.5 hours, respectively. We also examined acetone concentrations in alcohol-positive samples, and our results indicate that 82% of blood alcohol-positive samples contained acetone at concentrations between 5 and 10 mg/L and 68% of alcohol-positive urine samples contained acetone at a concentration >20 mg/L. It may be that the nature of sexual assault affects an individual's metabolism of alcohol and results in increased acetone production. Cannabis was the most commonly detected illicit drug, followed by methamphetamine. In relation to medicinal drugs, there was a high usage of antidepressants and antipsychotics, suggesting the victims may have been people of vulnerable personality. Based on case information, it does not appear there are many cases where stupefaction by unknown administration of a drug has occurred, instead loss of consent through voluntary alcohol and drug consumption is more common and poses a greater risk than surreptitious drug administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Poulsen
- Special Analytical Services (Toxicology), Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua 5020, New Zealand
| | - Mary-Jane McCarthy
- Special Analytical Services (Toxicology), Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua 5020, New Zealand
| | - Jessica Baker
- Special Analytical Services (Toxicology), Institute of Environmental Science and Research, 34 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua 5020, New Zealand
| | - Avnish Verma
- Department of Applied and Human Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Hannah J Moir
- Department of Applied and Human Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Tara Brodie
- Department of Applied and Human Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Baljit Thatti
- Department of Applied and Human Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Gavin Trotter
- Department of Applied and Human Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Brian Rooney
- Department of Applied and Human Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, UK
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15
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Fernández Alonso C, Lázaro Del Nogal M, Quintela Jorge Ó, Santiago-Sáez AE. [Suspicion of chemical submission in older subjects attending a hospital emergency department]. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 2020; 55:354-357. [PMID: 32718580 DOI: 10.1016/j.regg.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Chemical Submission (CS) is considered a danger to health and a form of violence. There are different forms of proactive CS (involuntary consumption of psychoactive substances) and opportunistic CS (voluntary consumption), with criminal intent, usually theft, submission, or sexual assault. The objective of this work is to describe the characteristics of cases of suspected CS in adults older than 65 years treated in the Emergency Department of the San Carlos Clinical Hospital and the results of the toxicological analysis performed by the INTCF in Madrid (April 1, 2015-2019). There were 12 (8%) cases of suspected CS, with a mean age of 75 (SD 8) years, of which 8 (66.7%) men, with two different profiles, all associated with theft, and in 3 (25%) possible sexual assault. In 9 (75%) cases, benzodiazepines and / or usual drugs were identified. CS is a problem to consider in Emergency Departments and is not exclusive to the young population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesáreo Fernández Alonso
- Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España; Comisión Contra la Violencia, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España.
| | - Montserrat Lázaro Del Nogal
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España; Comisión Contra la Violencia, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España
| | - Óscar Quintela Jorge
- Servicio de Química, Instituto Nacional de Toxicología y Ciencias Forenses (INTCF)
| | - Andres E Santiago-Sáez
- Servicio de Medicina Legal, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España; Comisión Contra la Violencia, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España
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Prego-Meleiro P, Montalvo G, Quintela-Jorge Ó, García-Ruiz C. An ecological working framework as a new model for understanding and preventing the victimization of women by drug-facilitated sexual assault. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 315:110438. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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17
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Increasing awareness of the severity of female victimization by opportunistic drug-facilitated sexual assault: A new viewpoint. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 315:110460. [PMID: 32858463 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The victimization of women by opportunistic drug-facilitated sexual assault in leisure contexts was studied in this work by applying a novel approximation. A multifocal analytical strategy based on an intersectional gender-sensitive approach was used to analyse the evidence coming from both forensic case studies and contextual studies about sexual interrelation and drug use. The process of victimization comprises social changes affecting consumption patterns and sexual interaction, intersecting in the hegemonic recreational nightlife model. However, victims experience a range of situations that make it difficult for them to self-acknowledge themselves as such. Widespread myths about the victimization process add to the social questioning faced by victims, stemming from gender-based double standards which condition the expected female behaviors regarding the use of drugs and sexual interaction. The victims usually experience amnesia, lack of injuries and emotional harm, which make difficult the self-acknowledgement as a victim of sexual assault and the reporting of the episode suffered. Consequently, it is an urgent public health need to implement a new viewpoint about the victimization of women by opportunistic drug-facilitated sexual assault in leisure contexts, able to increase awareness of the severity of this form of sexual violence. Society must recognize the existence of this problem within itself to help victims to acknowledge themselves as such, lodge a complaint and seek adequate help. The lack of this social support feeds the perpetuation of the victimization process, which exacerbates the risk of locking victims into spirals of cyclical re-victimization and favors both the underreporting as well as inadequate coping strategies. In addition to focusing on the need to increase awareness of the severity of female victimization by opportunistic drug-facilitated sexual assault in leisure contexts, other recommendations include the use of the term "take advantage", the development of specific criminal approaches, and the in-depth knowledge of the phenomenon via victimization surveys. These steps are necessary for developing well-targeted and evidence-based preventive measures consistent-with-reality.
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Prego-Meleiro P, Quintela-Jorge Ó, Montalvo G, García-Ruiz C. Multi-target methodology for the screening of blood specimens in drug-facilitated sexual assault cases. Microchem J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.104204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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19
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Rudyk RA, Checa MA, Catalán CA, Brandán SA. Structural, FT-IR, FT-Raman and ECD studies on the free base, cationic and hydrobromide species of scopolamine alkaloid. J Mol Struct 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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20
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Toxicological findings in 1000 cases of suspected drug facilitated sexual assault in the United States. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 61:56-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2018.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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Fernández-López L, Falcón Romero M, Prieto-Bonete G, Pérez-Martínez C, Navarro-Zaragoza J, Suarez D, Luna Maldonado A. Improving detection window of scopolamine. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 287:e10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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