2024-11-25 01:05:00
In a pub in London, October 10, 2024. HOLLIE ADAMS / REUTERS
Thanks to extensive media coverage, the Mazan serial rape trial, which has been taking place since early September in Avignon in the south of France, has brought to the forefront the debate on chemical submission in many countries around the world. Whether in a private setting, as this extraordinary legal case has revealed, or in a public place, such as bars or clubs, there is widespread awareness of this phenomenon of drugging someone. without his knowledge to abuse it.
The United Kingdom announced on Monday, November 25, the creation of a specific criminal offense to punish the act of pouring drugs into someone’s drink or injecting them in the form of an injection.
In reality, “spiking”, as it is called in English, is a crime already punishable by up to ten years in prison, but until now it falls under several laws (repression of drugs, sexual assault), which complicates the work of the police and magistrates.
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“It can be incredibly difficult for victims to report these heinous crimes, and these cases are often very complicated to bring to justice”recognized the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, quoted in a press release.
Bar and pub staff trained to spot the practice of “spiking”
The latter will bring together, on Monday, representatives of the police, nightlife and transport to ask them to coordinate against this “cowardly act”and to better protect women during nighttime outings. Around 10,000 people working in bars and pubs will also be trained by spring 2025 to learn how to spot the practice, help victims and gather evidence.
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The creation of this offense must “encourage victims to come forward, and ensure a strong police response to these appalling crimes”declared the Minister of the Interior, Yvette Cooper.
The Labor government, which came to power in July, promised to halve violence against women and girls within ten years.
Between May 2022 and April 2023, the police received 6,732 reports of “spiking”, including almost a thousand cases linked to stings. But according to a YouGov survey from December 2022, 10% of British women and 5% of British men say they have already been victims. The majority of cases are not reported due to failure to identify the symptoms at the time. And since the body quickly flushes out these drugs, it becomes impossible to provide evidence.
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How can training and awareness programs for bar and pub staff contribute to preventing incidents of drugging and sexual assault in social settings?
**Interview with Gisèle Pelicot: A Voice for Change Amid the Mazan Mass Rape Trial**
**Host:** Welcome to our special segment today. We’re joined by Gisèle Pelicot, a prominent advocate who has been vocal about the recent Mazan mass rape trial in France and the broader implications of chemical submission. Thank you for being with us, Gisèle.
**Gisèle Pelicot:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to discuss these issues now more than ever.
**Host:** Absolutely. The Mazan trial has stirred significant discussion about drugging and sexual violence. Can you explain what “chemical submission” entails in the context of this trial?
**Gisèle Pelicot:** Chemical submission refers to the act of drugging someone—often without their knowledge—to facilitate sexual assault. The horrifying revelations from the Mazan trial shed light not just on individual cases, but a systemic problem of a culture that often overlooks or dismisses such violent acts. It can happen in private or public settings, and sadly, many victims feel they cannot come forward.
**Host:** The trial has led to greater awareness and even legislative changes, such as the UK’s new offense against “spiking”. What do you think of this development?
**Gisèle Pelicot:** It’s a crucial step forward. While the act of spiking has always been a crime, having a specific law will help clarify the issues for law enforcement and for victims. It signals that society is taking this phenomenon seriously. However, implementation is key—police and staff in nightlife environments need training to recognize the signs and respond effectively.
**Host:** You mentioned the importance of community awareness. How can bar and pub staff play a role in preventing such crimes?
**Gisèle Pelicot:** Staff training is essential. They can be the first line of defense in identifying suspicious behavior or intervening when someone looks vulnerable. Many pubs and bars are already implementing training programs, which is a positive trend. These environments should promote safety, and staff members can help create a culture of vigilance and support for patrons.
**Host:** There’s a lot of focus on ensuring that victims feel safe reporting these crimes. What can be done to improve this aspect?
**Gisèle Pelicot:** It’s critical to foster an environment where victims feel believed and supported. This means not only training law enforcement but also educating the public to reduce stigma. Programs aimed at raising awareness about the psychological impacts of such trauma can also be beneficial. Victims should be met with compassion, not skepticism.
**Host:** Thank you, Gisèle. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate the complexities of these issues. It’s imperative we continue this conversation to foster change and support for those affected.
**Gisèle Pelicot:** Thank you for highlighting these issues. Change is possible when we all engage in the conversation.
**Host:** You’ve been listening to Gisèle Pelicot. Stay tuned for more discussions on this important topic.
