New test can prove date-rape victims' drinks were spiked
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hair samples are being taken from rape victims who complain of being drugged with amnesia-inducing substances following a breakthrough in forensic scientific testing.
Hair samples are being taken from rape victims who complain of being drugged with amnesia-inducing substances following a breakthrough in forensic scientific testing.
Dozens of women, and men, are believed to be attacked every year after being tricked into taking the mind-altering drugs which leave them unable to protest. Now a single strand of hair could provide vital evidence in the fight against what was formerly regarded as the near "perfect crime" because of the speed at which the substances leave the body.
Since the breakthrough six months ago, police officers have been taking samples from victims after it was discovered that drug traces can be detected in the hair shafts up to 18 months after ingestion. The first two cases using such evidence are due to go court later this year.
A report funded by the Home Office, published yesterday, has indicated that sex attackers are increasingly using drugs that induce memory loss and semi-consciousness to carry out assaults. The study of 123 cases found that in most casesdrinks are spiked in pubs or clubs and that the assailant is usually known to the victim. In some, gangs of rapists have photographed or videoed their assaults.
Until now it was almost impossible to obtain hard evidence of drug use in the assaults because the substances used only remain in the victim's blood and urine for a few hours. But new tests can isolate traces of drugs locked hair up to 18 months after the event. Nail clippings can also be used.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Sturman, of the Metropolitan Police, who carried out the study, said the tests provided "a very powerful new way of obtaining evidence". "It will help discourage offenders - some have wrongly considered it the perfectly crime on a pill," he said.
Dr Hugh Rushton, a senior lecturer at Portsmouth University's school of pharmacy, led the research. He said the new techniques could calculate when the drug was taken "within about a week's accuracy". He said he was involved in two drug rape cases and was preparing to give evidence obtained from the victim's hair.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments