About Sexual Assault > Drugs and Sexual AssaultOverview

Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in sexual assault incidents. While alcohol may be the most accessible and acceptable of the drugs associated with sexual assault, cases with suspected involvement of Rohypnol, Ketamine, GHB and Scopolamine are rapidly becoming common place. These drugs can be slipped into any drink and become effective in just minutes.

Having sex with someone who cannot resist or say "no" because the person is drugged, drunk, passed out, unconscious, or asleep may be sexual assault.

In 1996, Congress passed the Drug-Induced Rape Prevention and Punishment Act, as an amendment to the Controlled Substances Act. This amendment established federal penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment and fines for anyone convicted of committing a crime of violence, including rape, by administering a controlled substance without the victim's knowledge or consent. There are also state laws that may be used to prosecute these crimes.