2024-11-25 01:05:00
In a pub in London, October 10, 2024. HOLLIE ADAMS / REUTERS
Thanks to significant media coverage, the Mazan rape trial, which has been taking place since early September in Avignon, 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.
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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.
Training pub staff
“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.
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.
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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 has the Mazan rape trial influenced public perceptions and awareness of the issue of chemical submission in sexual assaults?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Women’s Rights Advocate and Legal Expert**
*Location: A pub in London, October 10, 2024*
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. The ongoing Mazan rape trial has sparked a renewed conversation about chemical submission, or drugging victims for sexual assault. Can you share your thoughts on how this case has affected public awareness?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely, and thank you for inviting me. The Mazan case, particularly the bravery of Gisèle Pélicot in bringing her story to light, has drawn significant media attention and brought the grim reality of chemical submission into public discourse. It’s crucial that people understand that this doesn’t just occur in private spaces; it can happen in bars and clubs, making this a widespread issue that warrants urgent societal and legal response [[1](https://politicsrights.com/chemical-submission-enables-sexual-assault/)].
**Interviewer:** Recently, the UK government announced a new specific offence targeting the act of drugging someone without their consent. How significant is this legislative move?
**Dr. Thompson:** This is an important step forward. While “spiking” is already punishable under existing laws, creating a specific criminal offence clarifies the legal framework and highlights the seriousness of the crime. It simplifies the judicial process and helps law enforcement understand the nature of these incidents better. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recognition of the difficulties victims face is vital; we need more professionals in nightlife and transport to be trained to protect individuals against these cowardly acts [[1](https://politicsrights.com/chemical-submission-enables-sexual-assault/)].
**Interviewer:** You mentioned training for bar staff and other nightlife personnel, which is intended to improve safety. How effective do you think this training will be?
**Dr. Thompson:** Training is essential, but it’s only the beginning. Empowering staff to recognise the signs of spiking and encouraging them to take proactive measures can create a safer environment for everyone. However, ongoing support and education will be crucial. Victims must feel safe to report incidents and know that their claims will be taken seriously. Ultimately, a cultural shift is needed where we take such crimes seriously and hold perpetrators accountable [[1](https://politicsrights.com/chemical-submission-enables-sexual-assault/)].
**Interviewer:** What more can be done to support victims of chemical submission beyond legislative changes?
**Dr. Thompson:** We need comprehensive support systems – from better healthcare services that can assist victims to ensure their psychological and physical well-being, to legal and advocacy services that help them navigate the judicial process. Community awareness campaigns are also essential; the more we educate the public on recognizing these risks, the better equipped everyone will be to prevent and respond to these horrific acts [[1](https://politicsrights.com/chemical-submission-enables-sexual-assault/)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Thompson. It’s clear that while progress is being made, there’s still much work ahead to protect individuals and support victims of these heinous crimes.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. The conversation is just beginning, and it’s vital we keep pushing for change.
