Inside the Epidemic of Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault
- Joanna Ziobronowicz
- Jan 13
- 4 min read
Not long ago, we heard the shocking story of Gisele Pelicot, whose husband had been sedating and sexually abusing her for nearly a decade. He invited neighbours and people recruited through online chats to come and assault his wife while she was rendered unconscious. A total of 50 men have been charged in connection with this case. Since the trial, further details have emerged, revealing that these rapists were also involved in assaulting their own family members.
As if this weren’t disturbing enough, German authorities recently uncovered a Telegram chat group involving 70,000 men, where members discussed rape. This international group shared tips on how to sedate and sexually assault women, including pictures and videos depicting assaults on family members such as sisters, mothers, wives, and girlfriends. Some participants even offered drugs that could help immobilise victims. Among the substances discussed were Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and ketamine.
If you suspect that you may have been spiked with one of these drugs, be aware of the following side effects:
GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate)
Memory Loss
Fatigue or Weakness
Headaches
Nausea and Vomiting
Muscle Aches
Confusion or Disorientation
Difficulty Concentrating
Ketamine
Dizziness
Memory Gaps
Nausea and Vomiting
Blurred Vision
Fatigue or Lethargy
Headaches
Confusion and Disorientation
Psychological Effects (Anxiety, Paranoia, Hallucinations)
Cases of spiked drinks are generally more common in big cities compared to rural areas or the countryside. Urban areas like London have a thriving nightlife with many bars, clubs, and parties, where alcohol and substances are more readily available. These environments can sometimes lead to situations where drink spiking occurs more often. Working in security in famous London nightclubs, I would witness this on every night shift.
To stay vigilant, avoid accepting drinks from strangers unless they have been poured directly by the bartender. Also, never leave your drink unattended—better safe than sorry.
But then, we have the cases of non-strangers committing those crimes, too. How do we ever figure out how such a perpetrator may look like?
Who Are The Perpetrators
Studies and crime data suggest that, while age, occupation, or social standing may not be reliable indicators (as seen in the Pelicot case), certain behavioural patterns often emerge among perpetrators of sexual violence against women. It’s crucial for women to become aware of these risks and gain the knowledge needed to protect themselves and those in their circle. Understanding how to spot warning signs can help reduce the risk of falling victim to such acts.
Let’s have a look at the top characteristics of rapists as shared by experts.
10 Characteristics/Traits Exhibited by Rapists
1. Manipulative Behaviour Many rapists rely on manipulation rather than brute force to gain control. They often charm or groom their targets, appearing trustworthy or overly helpful to lower their guard.
2. A Sense of Entitlement Research shows that many rapists exhibit a belief that they are entitled to sex or control over others. This attitude can manifest as inappropriate comments, boundary-pushing behaviour, or dismissiveness when someone says “no.”
3. Poor Impulse Control and Aggression Some perpetrators display difficulties in managing anger or frustration. This might show up as a quick temper, aggressive tendencies, or an inability to handle rejection.
4. Fascination with Power and Control Rape is often less about sexual gratification and more about exerting dominance. Pay attention to individuals who seem overly controlling in their interactions or display jealousy and possessiveness.
5. Targeting Vulnerabilities Perpetrators frequently look for perceived vulnerabilities, such as intoxication, isolation, or lack of familiarity with an environment.
6. Lack of Empathy A notable characteristic among many rapists is an absence of empathy. This lack of regard for the feelings and humanity of others enables perpetrators to commit acts of violence without remorse or consideration for the consequences to their victims.
7. Narcissism Narcissistic traits are often prevalent in rapists, particularly those who are repeat offenders. These individuals may view others as mere extensions of themselves, disregarding boundaries or consent in their pursuit of gratification or control.
8. Sadism (Non-Spontaneous Offenders) For some rapists, particularly those who do not act spontaneously, there may be a sadistic element to their crimes. This involves deriving pleasure from the suffering, humiliation, or degradation of their victims, often planning their actions in advance to achieve these outcomes.
9. Antisocial Personality Disorders
o Psychopathy: Many rapists exhibit psychopathic traits, including superficial charm, manipulativeness, and a lack of guilt or remorse. These traits enable them to rationalise their actions and avoid accountability.
o Sociopathy: Sociopathic tendencies, such as impulsiveness, disregard for societal norms, and a lack of emotional depth, are also common. Such individuals may struggle with forming genuine emotional connections, viewing others primarily as tools for their own satisfaction.
10. Background Factors Studies indicate that a significant number of rapists have experienced trauma or sexual abuse during childhood. Research suggests that individuals who were victims of sexual violence as children are more likely to perpetuate the cycle of abuse as adults. For example, a study published in the National Institute of Justice found that approximately 30-40% of sexual offenders reported experiencing sexual abuse in their early years. Understanding these backgrounds is critical for developing preventative measures and rehabilitation strategies.
While the responsibility for assault ALWAYS lies with the perpetrator, it’s essential to take steps to protect ourselves from malicious acts.
Please consider educating yourself and your loved ones about potentially dangerous situations and how to prioritise safety.
If you’d like to learn more about self-defence or how to recognise warning signs, consider joining one of our certification courses. You can also grab a copy of She Fights Back by Joanna Ziobronowicz, which describes empowering tactics every woman should know.
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