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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### Interview on Chemical Submission and Legislative Changes
**Date:** November 25, 2024
**Location:** A pub in London
**Guest:** Dr. Emily Harris, a sexual violence prevention expert
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**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Harris. The Mazan rape trial has brought significant attention to the issue of chemical submission. Could you explain what chemical submission is and why it has become a focal point of discussion?
**Dr. Harris:** Thank you for having me. Chemical submission refers to the act of drugging someone without their knowledge to incapacitate them for sexual assault or other abuses. This can happen in various settings, including private homes or public venues like bars and clubs. The Mazan trial, which involves horrifying allegations against numerous defendants, has underscored how prevalent and insidious this issue is, prompting global conversations about the need for more stringent laws and better preventive measures [[1](https://www.medscape.co.uk/viewarticle/chemical-submission-remains-overlooked-crisis-healthcare-2024a1000gca)].
**Interviewer:** Recently, the UK government announced the creation of a specific criminal offense for drugging someone’s drink. How will this change current legal frameworks?
**Dr. Harris:** This is a significant step forward. Previously, cases of ”spiking” fell under various legal categories, making prosecution complex and often ineffective. By establishing a clear and specific law against this act, it simplifies the judicial process and sends a strong message that society will not tolerate such behaviors. The new law will provide clearer definitions and potentially harsher penalties, which could deter offenders [[1](https://www.medscape.co.uk/viewarticle/chemical-submission-remains-overlooked-crisis-healthcare-2024a1000gca)].
**Interviewer:** There is a training initiative for pub staff mentioned as part of this new approach. Why is staff training important in combating chemical submission?
**Dr. Harris:** Training pub and bar staff is crucial because they are often the first line of defense in these situations. Educating them about the signs of chemical submission and the importance of intervening can help prevent these crimes from happening in their establishments. When staff are vigilant and responsive, it creates a safer environment for customers and can significantly increase the chances of deterring potential perpetrators [[1](https://www.medscape.co.uk/viewarticle/chemical-submission-remains-overlooked-crisis-healthcare-2024a1000gca)].
**Interviewer:** What do you think is the most critical aspect of addressing the issue of chemical submission moving forward?
**Dr. Harris:** Raising awareness is key. Many people, including potential victims, may not fully understand what chemical submission is or how to protect themselves. Continued media coverage, educational campaigns, and improved legal frameworks will be essential. Additionally, we need to foster an environment where victims feel safe to report incidents without fear of disbelief or stigma [[1](https://www.medscape.co.uk/viewarticle/chemical-submission-remains-overlooked-crisis-healthcare-2024a1000gca)].
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Harris. It’s clear that tackling this issue requires a multifaceted approach involving legislation, education, and community support.
**Dr. Harris:** Thank you for having me. It’s a collective effort that we all need to partake in to create safer environments for everyone.
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This interview highlights the significance of the Mazan case in raising awareness for chemical submission and the proactive steps being taken to address and prevent it in society.
