The Dangers Of Date Rape Drugs – Piñera Canals Lawyers

In recent years, internet sites and apps have become the most common places to find a date. However, many people do not consider the use of date rate drugs as a major risk of meeting strangers for a drink. Cases in which date rape drugs have been used are seen more and more frequently by Criminal Lawyers, both in the UK and Spain.

Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine are the three most common drugs used by attackers. Taking any opportunity in which there is a distraction, the drugs are then slipped into the victim’s drink. They are usually tasteless and difficult to detect. Upon consumption they can cause weakness, confusion, loss of consciousness and amnesia. This makes it easier for the attacker to take advantage of their partner.

In this environment, it is not uncommon to be bought drinks or for the other person to offer to carry them. However, this is the perfect opportunity for a drug to be dropped into the drink. For this reason, it is important to take precautions: ensure that drinks are not left unattended (even upon trips to the bathroom) and to go to the bar when you are offered a drink. It is also important to not accept punch from a bowl at parties, as instances have been recorded in which the drink already contains drugs.

In Spain, the Institute for Women set up the campaign ‘Sin un si, es un no’, to denounce and prevent this type of abuse. The campaign aims to highlight a woman’s right to say no, whilst encouraging males to eradicate rape culture, to reduce the pressure that they put on females and increase awareness of the fact that a yes on one occasion does not mean a yes forever. Their campaign carried out a survey in 2016, which found that 82% of victims already knew their attacker.

Therefore, there are not only risks on dates with partners met online. Our criminal lawyers note that these type of cases can also happen in other locations, such as clubs, concerts and festivals. Often the person will offer the victim a drink containing one of the previously mentioned drugs. What’s more, our lawyers indicate that these cases do not only happen between strangers, but also with stable relationships or married couples.

The situation in the UK is becoming increasingly worse, with a report by the National Crime Agency demonstrating that in 2014 there were almost 6 times the number of cases that there were in 2009. The advice published following the report was to wait before meeting someone from a dating site and to only meet in a public place. However, it is debatable as to how far this would help the situation, given that many victims know their attacker prior to their ordeal.

Intimidated girl is faced with an aggressive man.

The law in Spain clearly denounces attacks in which the victim lacks senses and comprehension, either due to a mental health condition, medicines, drugs, or another natural or chemical substance with an effect on the body. Furthermore, should the attacker hold a position of responsibility, authority or influence over the victim, the punishment will be even more harsh (for a victim between the ages of 16 and 18, the punishment will be a sentence from one to three years). (See Articles 181 and 182 of the Código Penal). It is important to also consider that alcohol is a drug which can affect consciousness, memory and comprehension in a similar way to Rohypnol.

We must encourage more campaigns against the use of date rape drugs, to increase awareness for potential victims. Also, we must demonstrate to attackers the harsh punishments for such crimes. Hopefully then we will see a reduction in the number of similar cases.

Our criminal lawyers have experience in cases of sexual abuse which provide a sentence of between four and ten years for the attacker, as well as compensation for the damage suffered by the victim.

Should you need a Criminal Lawyer in Spain to deal with proceedings, or simply to receive legal advice in relation to your rights and liabilities, please do not hesitate to get in contact with our lawyers at Piñera del Olmo. Our telephone is +34 93 514 39 97 and our email address is info@pineradelolmo.com .

Piñera del Olmo Canals Lawyers.

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