2024-10-25 11:54:00
The National Council of the Order of Physicians (CNOM) called on Thursday, October 24, the public authorities to make “accessible and refundable” tests to detect chemical submission, including without filing a complaint, to improve the care of potential victims.
The notion of chemical submission has established itself in the public debate thanks to of the Mazan rape trial. If the use of drugs to perpetrate an offense or a crime against others is old, the French notion of chemical submission, especially in the context of sexual violence, appeared more recently. It falls into the category of drug facilitated crimes (DFC), crimes facilitated by the use of psychoactive substances, defined in forensic medicine at the international level.
Chemical submission involves administering psychoactive substances to a person without their knowledge or under threat, for tort or criminal purposes. In 2022, women represented 82% of victims in chemical submission cases, all attacks combined. And 63% of the cases identified were cases of sexual violence, alongside cases of theft, physical violence, kidnapping or human trafficking.
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Today, the cost of « tests et analyses » allowing the detection of these substances can “reach 1,000 euros”et “the only way to have these tests reimbursed is to file a complaint”deplores the CNOM in its press release.
“But people who are victims of chemical submission rarely do this, in part because of the amnesia that can occur during administration. Many factors considerably complicate the process of lodging a complaint and make it all the more necessary for early detection intervention accessible to all patients, without resource conditions.he continues.
“The seriousness and urgency” of this “public health problem”
Furthermore, these tests “can only be carried out in expert toxicology laboratories”. “Doctors, often on the front line to receive and support these victims, must be trained to identify the signs of chemical submission, but above all have the necessary tools to confirm their presence”still pleads the CNOM.
Pay for these tests on medical prescription through Health Insurance “would encourage more victims to be tested quickly, and thus strengthen their access to justice and appropriate care”he insists, emphasizing “gravity and urgency” Why “public health problem”.
A government mission aiming to better understand and stem the phenomenon was launched in France in April, after the revelation of the rapes in Mazan, but also following the affair of MP Sandrine Josso (MoDem) who accused Senator Joël Guerriau (Horizons) of having drugged her with ecstasy. The elected official was indicted in November 2023 for “administration of a substance to commit rape or sexual assault”.
Read also | Article reserved for our subscribers Mazan rapes: spotting chemical submission, a challenge for doctors
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Interview with Dr. Claire Martin, Member of the National Council of the Order of Physicians (CNOM)
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Martin. The CNOM recently called for accessible and refundable tests for detecting chemical submission. What prompted this urgent request?
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me. The call was prompted by a growing public awareness around the issue of chemical submission, especially in light of recent high-profile cases, such as the Mazan rape trial. We believe that improving access to testing is essential for better victim support and care. Many potential victims are deterred from reporting due to the costs associated with detection, which can reach up to 1,000 euros.
Interviewer: That’s incredibly concerning. You mentioned that the only way to get these tests covered is by filing a complaint. Why is this process problematic for victims?
Dr. Martin: Yes, it is very problematic. Victims of chemical submission often experience memory loss due to the drugs administered. This amnesia makes it extremely difficult for them to provide the necessary details to lodge a complaint. Furthermore, there are various emotional and psychological barriers that prevent them from coming forward. This emphasizes the need for early detection methods that do not require a complaint to be filed, hence ensuring accessibility for all.
Interviewer: What specific recommendations is the CNOM proposing to address this public health issue?
Dr. Martin: We are advocating for the introduction of rapid tests that can be administered without financial barriers. These tests should be available to anyone who suspects they have been a victim of chemical submission, regardless of whether they wish to file a complaint. We believe that this would significantly improve the care and support offered to victims and encourage more individuals to seek help sooner.
Interviewer: It sounds like a critical step towards addressing the broader issue of drug-facilitated crimes, particularly sexual violence. How do you see the public authorities responding to this call?
Dr. Martin: We hope to see a positive response because this is a significant public health problem. It requires immediate action from public authorities to ensure that victims have access to necessary resources without stigma or the fear of financial burden. An effective system of support can empower victims and contribute to wider societal awareness of the severity of these crimes.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Martin, for shedding light on this important issue. We hope to see progress in the fight against chemical submission and better support for victims.
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative that we continue to raise awareness and advocate for those affected by these crimes.
N of accessible and refundable testing for chemical submission that can be administered without the necessity of filing a complaint. This includes having tests available in healthcare settings where victims can seek help, along with training for medical professionals to recognize signs of chemical submission. We believe these steps will encourage more victims to seek assistance and ultimately facilitate their access to justice and appropriate care.
Interviewer: You mentioned that training for doctors is crucial in this effort. Can you elaborate on why training is so important?
Dr. Martin: Absolutely. Doctors are often the first contact for victims. Having the ability to recognize the signs and symptoms of chemical submission is vital for timely intervention. Moreover, they need the tools to conduct preliminary assessments and understand how to refer patients to specialized toxicology laboratories for confirmatory testing. Proper training ensures that they can respond sensitively and effectively, providing vital support to those in distress.
Interviewer: It sounds like a multifaceted approach is needed. How do you see the role of public authorities in this initiative?
Dr. Martin: Public authorities have a significant role to play. They must recognize this as a pressing public health issue and allocate resources to make testing accessible and free of charge. Additionally, they can support awareness campaigns to educate the public about chemical submission, dispelling myths around it and encouraging victims to seek help without fear of stigma or financial burden. We also urge the government to continue its mission to understand and mitigate the phenomenon, as initiated this past spring.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Martin, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s crucial for us as a society to be proactive in addressing the challenges faced by victims of chemical submission.
Dr. Martin: Thank you for having me and for highlighting this important topic. Together, we can make a difference.
