A recent social media post by user Crémieux has sparked discussion regarding the prevalence of sedatives versus antidepressants in alleged sexual assault cases. The tweet asserted that individuals claiming sedative involvement are often incorrect, stating, "In the study referenced here, the prevalence of sedatives among cases was minimal (~2%). For comparison, antidepressants were detected 375% more often." This claim suggests a significant disparity in the types of substances found in toxicology reports related to sexual assault.
However, broader scientific research into drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) presents a more nuanced picture. Studies consistently show that alcohol is the most frequently implicated substance, followed by various illicit and prescription drugs. For instance, a 2018 study examining toxicological findings in suspected DFSA cases in the United States found benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, which are types of sedatives, present in 55% of victims. Other sedatives, including antihistamines, were detected in an additional 16% of cases, indicating a far higher prevalence of sedative substances than the 2% cited in the tweet.
The presence of antidepressants in toxicology screens of sexual assault survivors also requires careful interpretation. Research indicates that survivors of sexual violence frequently experience mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. A 2005 study revealed that 44% of sexual assault survivors had used prescription drugs post-rape, including sedatives, tranquilizers, and antidepressants, often to manage trauma-related symptoms. Therefore, the detection of antidepressants in a victim's system does not automatically imply their use as a facilitating agent during the assault, but rather could reflect a pre-existing prescription or medication taken to cope with the aftermath.
The discrepancy between the tweet's specific figures and the broader body of research highlights the complexity of toxicology in sexual assault investigations. While the tweet focuses on a particular comparative statistic, comprehensive studies emphasize the high prevalence of commonly recognized incapacitating drugs like alcohol and benzodiazepines. Understanding the context behind drug detection—whether a substance was used to facilitate the assault or was present for other medical reasons—is crucial for accurate reporting and victim support.