Chemical submission refers to the deliberate use of substances, without the victim’s knowledge, to impair their consciousness and judgement for coercive purposes, particularly sexual abuse. In this interview, Dr. Marc Augsburger, Head of the Toxicology Unit at the University Centre of Legal Medicine (CURML) in Lausanne, and Chief Inspector François Nanchen, in charge of crime prevention for the Police Cantonale Vaudoise, discuss the medical, legal, and psychosocial aspects of this phenomenon
What substances are commonly used in cases of chemical submission related to sexual violence, and what are their effects?
Dr. Augsburger: According to a few international scientific studies and our own experience, the substances most commonly detected in confirmed cases of chemical submission are primarily alcohol, benzodiazepines, and related substances. Sedatives, sleeping pills, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and illicit substances like GHB or ketamine are also sometimes detected. Offenders aim to cause unconsciousness, loss of self-control, and memory loss of the events. Adverse effects of these substances can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, balance loss, disorientation, confusion, sudden unconsciousness, blackouts, and even coma.
Some public spaces are equipped with surveillance cameras, but footage is often stored only briefly. Contacting the police quickly helps ensure that video evidence can be preserved.
If these signs are observed in someone or there are suspicions, how should one act immediately?
Dr. Augsburger: Seek immediate medical attention, or at least go to a first-aid station. The victim’s health is paramount and requires prompt care. During treatment, blood and urine samples may be taken to confirm exposure to one or more substances.
François Nanchen : If someone exhibits these symptoms at a social gathering, they should tell someone they trust immediately and ask that person to stay with them. They should then go to a medical station or hospital, remaining accompanied. If these signs are seen in someone else, stay with them and help them get to a medical facility or hospital. The victim can then contact the police. Given the limited time footage is stored, contacting the police promptly can ensure that video evidence is saved.
How can forensic units assist victims of chemical submission?
Dr. Augsburger: They record evidence and describe traces of violence comprehensively for judicial proceedings, direct victims to support networks, identify perpetrators through biological samples, and confirm psychotropic use.
And judicial authorities?
François Nanchen: The police will take the victim’s statements and conduct further investigations. The victim may be referred to LAVI for psychological and legal support.
Estimating the prevalence of chemical submission cases in French-speaking Switzerland is challenging because the delay between the event and sample collection is often too long to detect certain substances in biological samples.
How prevalent is chemical submission in French-speaking Switzerland? Are there likely to be cases that go unreported due to the brief detection window for certain substances?
Dr. Augsburger: Estimating the prevalence of chemical submission cases in French-speaking Switzerland is challenging because the delay between the event and sample collection is often too long to detect certain substances in biological samples. Therefore, some cases may indeed go undetected, either because the victim does not consult a doctor or approach the police, or because there is insufficient evidence to conclude that chemical submission occurred, even if it cannot be completely ruled out.
François Nanchen: Same as CURML.
How can we contribute to the prevention of chemical submission, both collectively and individually?
François Nanchen: Individually, stay vigilant, never leave your drink unattended, use drink covers, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you feel any of the signs mentioned above. As a group, watch out for friends’ drinks and remain alert to signs of intoxication. Displaying prevention posters about chemical submission in public spaces (toilets, changing rooms) or at festival locations is also advisable. An example is the “Ask for Angela” initiative, implemented at major festivals in Vaud canton (Paléo, Montreux Jazz, events by the Vaud Federation of Youth).
In terms of medical research and supporting victims of sexual violence through chemical submission, what advancements are anticipated?
Dr. Augsburger: Recent years have seen efforts to improve victim care and prevention in high-risk environments. Expected advancements include developing biological markers to extend detection windows for substances like GHB and launching translational research projects among different professionals to better understand this phenomenon, enhance victim care and detection, and advance prevention.
DRINK SAFE ! with the cupote
The “cupote” (or “drink watch”) is an anti-spiking device designed to prevent chemical submission. These small drink covers act as a physical barrier between the drink and the environment. By providing extra protection against attempts to tamper with drinks, they help reinforce safety where vigilance is crucial.
While the cupote alone does not eliminate all risks of assault, it serves as a practical prevention tool. Highlighting the issue of chemical submission, its use can further raise awareness of potential dangers and encourage caution in festive settings. It also promotes a culture of consent and mutual respect through the discussions it fosters.
For a safe night out, don’t forget your cupote, but most importantly, always be reasonable and responsible toward yourself and those with you. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair your judgement and hinder your ability to recognize warning signs.
The anti-spiking (and anti-spill!) cupote is made of stretchable silicone and fits all rigid glass types. You can drink directly through the nozzle or use a straw. After use, remove the cupote using the tab, rinse with clear water, and air dry. To receive your free cupote in French-speaking Switzerland, click here !
Three questions for Muriel Golay, Director of the LAVI Centre Geneva
What role does alcohol consumption (with or without chemical submission) and/or drug use play in the sexual assault cases you encounter?
The LAVI Centre’s clientele reporting sexual offences is primarily female (over 90%) and adult. About a quarter of these cases involve assaults that occurred in childhood. For adults, sexual violence generally happens within couples (or ex-partners) or family contexts, and the perpetrator is often a man in the close circle. Alcohol or substance use is rarely investigated and does not often feature in clients’ accounts. However, in cases of violence by an intimate partner, the perpetrator’s alcohol or drug dependence is sometimes mentioned.
Our clients’ profile diverges significantly from that of individuals who go to emergency rooms following a sexual assault. This difference is evident from a retrospective analysis of the forensic records from victims who reported a sexual assault to the gynaecological-obstetric emergency departments at HUG and CHUV between 2018 and 2021. Of 740 victims, who were generally younger than LAVI clients, 58% knew their assailant, but it was rarely an intimate partner (friends, colleagues, or acquaintances in 53% of cases). 63% had consumed substances, with 96 saying they had mixed alcohol and drugs. The LAVI Centre has only seen a few cases where young women suspected they were drugged without their knowledge. According to Dr. Augsburger at CURML (Systematic GHB analysis in biological samples, January 2022), the GHB rate among substances identified in victims’ blood is marginal. Alcohol is present in nearly half of the cases, often enough to account for the amnesia described by victims, although this in no way justifies the perpetrator’s behaviour.
Young women consulting us after sexual assault by a known young man at a party often describe being penetrated while asleep, under the influence of alcohol or not, or in a numbed state where they couldn’t react.
What do you think of the cupote as a prevention tool against “party-related” sexual violence?
I think these drink covers help bring these issues to light and, psychologically, provide a sense of security. With this in mind, it surprises me that they aren’t more widely available. They could be distributed in nightclubs, for example. However, given the data I’ve outlined, I’d mainly advocate for more prevention campaigns around alcohol and drug consumption in general for young people, including the risks of sexual violence.
What prevention message would you share with people celebrating?
Overall, I believe it’s essential that our young people receive better education on consent. Young women consulting us after sexual assault by a known young man at a party often describe being penetrated while asleep, under the influence of alcohol or not, or in a numbed state where they couldn’t react. Discussions about consent, with boys and girls alike, would also be very important to avoid addressing only potential victims and instead focus on the behaviour of potential perpetrators.