Citation

Xifró-Collsamata A, Pujol-Robinat A, Barbería-Marcalain E, Arroyo-Fernández A, Bertomeu-Ruiz A, Montero-Núñez F, Medallo-Muñiz J. Med. Clin. 2015; 144(9): 403-409.

Vernacular Title

Estudio prospectivo de la sumisión química con finalidad sexual en Barcelona.

Affiliation

Institut de Medicina Legal de Catalunya, Barcelona, España; Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.medcli.2014.11.026

PMID

25748993

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and characteristics of suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) among the victims of sexual assault in Barcelona. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of every adult consulting an emergency service because of alleged sexual assault and receiving forensic assessment in the city of Barcelona in 2011.

RESULTS: A total of 35 of 114 cases (30.7%) met suspected DFSA criteria. Compared with the other victims, suspected DFSA cases were more likely to experience amnesia, to have been assaulted by night, after a social situation and by a recently acquainted man, to have used alcohol before the assault and to be foreigners. In this group ethanol was detected in blood or urine in 48.4% of analyzed cases; their mean back calculated blood alcohol concentration was 2.29g/l (SD 0.685). Also, at least one central nervous system drug other than ethanol was detected in 60,6%, mainly stimulant drugs of abuse.

CONCLUSIONS: Suspected DFSA is frequent among victims of alleged sexual assault in Barcelona nowadays. The depressor substance most commonly encountered is alcohol, which contributes to victims' vulnerability.

Language: es