The Experts below are selected from a list of 1686 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Carmen García-ruiz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Increasing awareness of the severity of female victimization by opportunistic Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault: A new viewpoint
Forensic science international, 2020Co-Authors: Pablo Prego-meleiro, Gemma Montalvo, Óscar Quintela-jorge, Carmen García-ruizAbstract:The victimization of women by opportunistic Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault in leisure contexts was studied in this work by applying a novel approximation. A multifocal analytical strategy based on an intersectional gender-sensitive approach was used to analyse the evidence coming from both forensic case studies and contextual studies about Sexual interrelation and drug use. The process of victimization comprises social changes affecting consumption patterns and Sexual interaction, intersecting in the hegemonic recreational nightlife model. However, victims experience a range of situations that make it difficult for them to self-acknowledge themselves as such. Widespread myths about the victimization process add to the social questioning faced by victims, stemming from gender-based double standards which condition the expected female behaviors regarding the use of drugs and Sexual interaction. The victims usually experience amnesia, lack of injuries and emotional harm, which make difficult the self-acknowledgement as a victim of Sexual Assault and the reporting of the episode suffered. Consequently, it is an urgent public health need to implement a new viewpoint about the victimization of women by opportunistic Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault in leisure contexts, able to increase awareness of the severity of this form of Sexual violence. Society must recognize the existence of this problem within itself to help victims to acknowledge themselves as such, lodge a complaint and seek adequate help. The lack of this social support feeds the perpetuation of the victimization process, which exacerbates the risk of locking victims into spirals of cyclical re-victimization and favors both the underreporting as well as inadequate coping strategies. In addition to focusing on the need to increase awareness of the severity of female victimization by opportunistic Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault in leisure contexts, other recommendations include the use of the term "take advantage", the development of specific criminal approaches, and the in-depth knowledge of the phenomenon via victimization surveys. These steps are necessary for developing well-targeted and evidence-based preventive measures consistent-with-reality.
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An ecological working framework as a new model for understanding and preventing the victimization of women by Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault.
Forensic science international, 2020Co-Authors: Pablo Prego-meleiro, Gemma Montalvo, Óscar Quintela-jorge, Carmen García-ruizAbstract:Abstract An innovative approach towards the holistic and multidisciplinary study of the victimization of women by Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault has been developed. This phenomenon constitutes a significant problem given the narrowing of the gender gap in drug use over the last few decades and the widespread presence of psychoactive substances worldwide. As violence against women and drug misuse intersect in this phenomenon, this intersectional nature emphasizes the need for a novel approach that enables us to go beyond the studies carried out to date. Consequently, a multidimensional strategy incorporating a gender-sensitive approach has been implemented. The study was aligned with approaches recommended by international authorities concerning sustainable development, thus meeting current global challenges. Furthermore, the study was structured based on an ecological model divided into multiple influence levels and integrating the triangular theory of violence. As a result, a new ecological working framework was built as a multilevel platform useful for understanding and preventing the victimization of women by Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault.
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Multi-target methodology for the screening of blood specimens in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault cases
Microchemical Journal, 2019Co-Authors: Pablo Prego-meleiro, Gemma Montalvo, Óscar Quintela-jorge, Carmen García-ruizAbstract:Abstract The forensic investigation of Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults (DFSA) requires the toxicological examination of biological matrices to detect possible substances in victims. Whole blood is an important sample since it is the only one available for analysis in a considerable percentage of cases. A new screening methodology was developed for the detection of 96 compounds related to DFSA in blood. Sample treatment was based on a procedure combining protein precipitation and phospholipid removal before HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The new method operates in scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (sMRM) mode and uses the hybrid operating of the third quadrupole as an ion trap. The blood samples preparation was studied comparing four different protein precipitation treatments and two widely used extraction techniques as solid phase extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. The analytical performance of the screening method was evaluated in terms of selectivity and limits of detection. Finally, successful results were obtained applying the new method to the analysis of fifteen samples from real cases of the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences.
Pablo Prego-meleiro - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Increasing awareness of the severity of female victimization by opportunistic Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault: A new viewpoint
Forensic science international, 2020Co-Authors: Pablo Prego-meleiro, Gemma Montalvo, Óscar Quintela-jorge, Carmen García-ruizAbstract:The victimization of women by opportunistic Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault in leisure contexts was studied in this work by applying a novel approximation. A multifocal analytical strategy based on an intersectional gender-sensitive approach was used to analyse the evidence coming from both forensic case studies and contextual studies about Sexual interrelation and drug use. The process of victimization comprises social changes affecting consumption patterns and Sexual interaction, intersecting in the hegemonic recreational nightlife model. However, victims experience a range of situations that make it difficult for them to self-acknowledge themselves as such. Widespread myths about the victimization process add to the social questioning faced by victims, stemming from gender-based double standards which condition the expected female behaviors regarding the use of drugs and Sexual interaction. The victims usually experience amnesia, lack of injuries and emotional harm, which make difficult the self-acknowledgement as a victim of Sexual Assault and the reporting of the episode suffered. Consequently, it is an urgent public health need to implement a new viewpoint about the victimization of women by opportunistic Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault in leisure contexts, able to increase awareness of the severity of this form of Sexual violence. Society must recognize the existence of this problem within itself to help victims to acknowledge themselves as such, lodge a complaint and seek adequate help. The lack of this social support feeds the perpetuation of the victimization process, which exacerbates the risk of locking victims into spirals of cyclical re-victimization and favors both the underreporting as well as inadequate coping strategies. In addition to focusing on the need to increase awareness of the severity of female victimization by opportunistic Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault in leisure contexts, other recommendations include the use of the term "take advantage", the development of specific criminal approaches, and the in-depth knowledge of the phenomenon via victimization surveys. These steps are necessary for developing well-targeted and evidence-based preventive measures consistent-with-reality.
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An ecological working framework as a new model for understanding and preventing the victimization of women by Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault.
Forensic science international, 2020Co-Authors: Pablo Prego-meleiro, Gemma Montalvo, Óscar Quintela-jorge, Carmen García-ruizAbstract:Abstract An innovative approach towards the holistic and multidisciplinary study of the victimization of women by Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault has been developed. This phenomenon constitutes a significant problem given the narrowing of the gender gap in drug use over the last few decades and the widespread presence of psychoactive substances worldwide. As violence against women and drug misuse intersect in this phenomenon, this intersectional nature emphasizes the need for a novel approach that enables us to go beyond the studies carried out to date. Consequently, a multidimensional strategy incorporating a gender-sensitive approach has been implemented. The study was aligned with approaches recommended by international authorities concerning sustainable development, thus meeting current global challenges. Furthermore, the study was structured based on an ecological model divided into multiple influence levels and integrating the triangular theory of violence. As a result, a new ecological working framework was built as a multilevel platform useful for understanding and preventing the victimization of women by Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault.
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Multi-target methodology for the screening of blood specimens in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault cases
Microchemical Journal, 2019Co-Authors: Pablo Prego-meleiro, Gemma Montalvo, Óscar Quintela-jorge, Carmen García-ruizAbstract:Abstract The forensic investigation of Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults (DFSA) requires the toxicological examination of biological matrices to detect possible substances in victims. Whole blood is an important sample since it is the only one available for analysis in a considerable percentage of cases. A new screening methodology was developed for the detection of 96 compounds related to DFSA in blood. Sample treatment was based on a procedure combining protein precipitation and phospholipid removal before HPLC-MS/MS analysis. The new method operates in scheduled multiple reaction monitoring (sMRM) mode and uses the hybrid operating of the third quadrupole as an ion trap. The blood samples preparation was studied comparing four different protein precipitation treatments and two widely used extraction techniques as solid phase extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. The analytical performance of the screening method was evaluated in terms of selectivity and limits of detection. Finally, successful results were obtained applying the new method to the analysis of fifteen samples from real cases of the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences.
Mark A Bellis - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The involvement of drugs and alcohol in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault: a systematic review of the evidence.
Trauma violence & abuse, 2008Co-Authors: Caryl M. Beynon, Clare Mcveigh, Jim Mcveigh, Conan Leavey, Mark A BellisAbstract:The rate of Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA; when an incapacitating drug is administered surreptitiously to facilitate Sexual Assault) is perceived to be increasing in the United Kingdom and elsewhere, causing international concern. This article examines evidence that quantifies the contribution of drugs in instances of alleged DFSA, identifies the substances involved, and discusses the implications of these findings. Of 389 studies examined, 11 were included in this review. The only study to consider covert drugging reported that 2% of alleged DFSA cases were attributable to surreptitious drug administration. Other studies failed to remove voluntary drug consumption from their cohort, biasing results. A study by the United Kingdom's National Forensic Services found no evidence to suggest that flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) had been used for DFSA during its 3-year investigation. In the United States, flunitrazepam is used recreationally, providing a likely explanation for its presence in samples of some a...
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The ability of two commercially available quick test kits to detect Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault drugs in beverages.
Addiction (Abingdon England), 2006Co-Authors: Caryl M. Beynon, Jim Mcveigh, Harry Sumnall, Jon C. Cole, Mark A BellisAbstract:Aims Assessment of the sensitivity and specificity of two commercially available ‘Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault’ drug detector kits, Drink Guard and Drink Detective. Design Experimental. Setting Laboratory. Measurements Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) sodium salt, ketamine hydrochloride, temazepam, flunitrazepam and diazepam were dissolved (Tween added to benzodiazepine solutions) as separate stock solutions and added to 330 ml samples of cola (Pepsi Max®), beer (Stella Artois®), ‘alcopop’ (Bacardi Breezer®) and placebo (distilled water). The doses used are reported to be common in cases of intoxication. Each kit was tested 10 times for each drink/drug combination. Two blind, independent observers scored each test (presence/absence of drug) in accordance with kit instructions; χ2 was used to compare the proportion of times raters scored tests correctly and incorrectly. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated overall, for each drink, and sensitivity was calculated for each drug. Inter-observer agreement was evaluated using the kappa statistic. Findings While both raters were able to score significantly more tests correctly than incorrectly using Drink Detective, and one rater scored similarly using Drink Guard, the overall sensitivity of Drink Detective and Drink Guard was 69.0% (95% CI 64.2–73.5%) and 37.5% (95% CI 30.1–45.5%), respectively. Sensitivity was drink-dependent. Drink Detective was unable to detect our dose of GHB in water, with all tests scored negatively by both raters for this drink/drug combination (n = 20 negative scores). Overall, specificity was 76.6% (95% CI 71.5–81.0%) and 87.9% (95% CI 83.0–91.6%) for Drink Guard and Drink Detective, respectively, but was affected by the beverage. Inter-rater agreement was poor for Drink Guard (kappa = 0.278 ± 0.069) but excellent for Drink Detective (kappa = 0.894 ± 0.245). Inter-observer agreement was drug-dependent. Conclusions Use of drug detector kits by the public in the night-time environment needs further investigation and may create a false sense of security (false negatives) and undue concern (false positives) among kit users.
Michael Schulzer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Rising incidence of hospital-reported Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault in a large urban community in Canada. Retrospective population-based study.
Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique, 2004Co-Authors: Margaret J. Mcgregor, Janet R Ericksen, Lisa A. Ronald, Patricia A. Janssen, Anneke Van Vliet, Michael SchulzerAbstract:Background Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) occurs when an individual has been Sexually Assaulted due to the surreptitious administration of drug(s) thereby rendering her/him unable to give consent. Our study aim was to calculate the age- and sex-specific annual incidence of hospital-reported DFSA and to determine whether a one-year increase in DFSA observed in 1999 in a pilot study on the same population was a significant and sustained trend.
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Rising Incidence of Hospital-reported Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault in a Large Urban Community in Canada
Canadian Journal of Public Health, 2004Co-Authors: Margaret J. Mcgregor, Lisa A. Ronald, Patricia A. Janssen, Anneke Van Vliet, Janet Ericksen, Michael SchulzerAbstract:Contexte On parle d’agression sexuelle facilitée par la drogue (ASFD) lorsqu’une personne est agressée sexuellement après avoir absorbé à son insu une ou plusieurs drogues qui l’ont rendue incapable de donner son consentement. Nous avons calculé l’incidence annuelle des ASFD signalées aux hôpitaux selon l’âge et le sexe de la victime afin de déterminer si une hausse sur un an observée en 1999 dans le cadre d’une étude pilote dans la même population s’inscrit dans une tendance significative et soutenue. Méthode Nous avons relevé les cas d’ASFD en examinant les dossiers d’agressions sexuelles de toutes les personnes qui se sont présentées à un service hospitalier d’aiguillage des victimes d’agressions sexuelles situé à Vancouver (Colombie-Britannique) durant la période à l’étude (1^er janvier 1993–31 mai 2002). Nous avons examiné les tendances des agressions sexuelles facilitées par la drogue, selon l’âge et le sexe, en fréquence et dans le temps, d’après les données démographiques du ministère de la Santé de la Colombie-Britannique. Résultats L’incidence annuelle moyenne des ASFD chez les femmes a augmenté, passant de 3,4 pour 100 000 (1993–1998) à 10,7 pour 100 000 (1999–2002). Le risque relatif d’ASFD rajusté selon l’âge, chez les femmes, était sensiblement plus élevé en 1999 (2,77, IC de 95 %= 1,85–4,15), en 2000 (3,01, IC de 95 %=1,97–4,57), en 2001 (3,14, IC de 95 %=2,07–4,78) et en 2002 (4,88, IC de 95 %=2,84–8,37) que durant la période 1993–1998. Les femmes de 15 à 19 ans présentaient la plus forte incidence d’ASFD, avec un risque relatif ajusté de 3,89 par année (IC de 95 %=2,75–5,50), par rapport à tous les autres groupes d’âge. Conclusion Cette étude montre que l’incidence des ASFD signalées aux hôpitaux présente une hausse marquée et soutenue depuis 1999. Les adolescentes étant particulièrement vulnérables à cette forme d’agression sexuelle, il faudrait faire plus d’efforts pour élaborer et évaluer des programmes de prévention à leur intention. Background Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) occurs when an individual has been Sexually Assaulted due to the surreptitious administration of drug(s) thereby rendering her/him unable to give consent. Our study aim was to calculate the age- and sex-specific annual incidence of hospital-reported DFSA and to determine whether a one-year increase in DFSA observed in 1999 in a pilot study on the same population was a significant and sustained trend. Methods We identified cases of DFSA by reviewing the Sexual Assault examination records of all the individuals who presented to a hospital-based Sexual Assault care referral service in Vancouver, British Columbia during the study time period (January 1, 1993 to May 31, 2002). The annual sex- and age-specific incidence and temporal trends of Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault were examined using population data from the British Columbia Ministry of Health. Results The mean annual incidence of female DFSA increased from 3.4 per 100,000 (years 1993–1998) to 10.7 per 100,000 (years 1999–2002). Age-adjusted relative risks for female DFSAs were significantly higher in 1999 (2.77, 95% CI 1.85–4.15), 2000 (3.01, 95% CI 1.97–4.57), 2001 (3.14, 95% CI 2.07–4.78) and 2002 (4.88, 95% CI 2.84–8.37) compared to 1993–1998. Women aged 15–19 years had the highest DFSA incidence, with a year-adjusted relative risk of 3.89 (95% CI 2.75–5.50) compared to all other age groups. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the incidence of hospital-reported DFSA has shown a marked and sustained increase since 1999. Young women in their teens are particularly vulnerable to this form of Sexual Assault and further efforts are needed to develop and evaluate prevention programs for this group.
Jean-claude Alvarez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Drug‐facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) involving 4‐methylethcathinone (4‐MEC), 3,4‐Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and doxylamine highlighted by hair analysis
Drug testing and analysis, 2018Co-Authors: Islam Amine Larabi, Marie Martin, Isabelle Etting, Pauline Penot, Nicolas Fabresse, Jean-claude AlvarezAbstract:Recently, the emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has led to their wide use among clubbers and men who have sex with men (MSM) for their stimulant effects. However, their use in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) has rarely been described. Herein we report a case of a 44-year-old man who was Assaulted after a party. Due to late reporting of the offense, only hair (black) was sampled 15 days later and a segmental analysis was achieved to look for most DFSA agents and NPS. Twenty mg of each segment (A: 0-1 cm, B: 1-3 cm, and C: 3-5 cm) were incubated in phosphate buffer pH 5.0. After alkaline liquid extraction and chromatographic separation on 1.9 μm Hypersil GOLD PFP column, compounds were detected by a TSQ Vantage mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization in positive mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) acquisition. 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and doxylamine were found in proximal segment at very low concentrations (3, 5, and 9 pg/mg, respectively) which is in agreement with a single exposure in the previous month corresponding to the alleged facts. These substances were not detected in segments B and C showing a lack of repetitive exposure before the alleged event. Thus, the results do not contradict the patient's claim of being Assaulted. Doxylamine has already been encountered in such cases but no publications referring to 4-MEC or MDPV use have ever been documented. Our case reports the unusual administration of cathinones to achieve a Sexual Assault and stresses the interest of looking for designer drugs when dealing with DFSA cases.
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drug facilitated Sexual Assault dfsa involving 4 methylethcathinone 4 mec 3 4 methylenedioxypyrovalerone mdpv and doxylamine highlighted by hair analysis
Drug Testing and Analysis, 2018Co-Authors: Islam Amine Larabi, Marie Martin, Isabelle Etting, Pauline Penot, Nicolas Fabresse, Jean-claude AlvarezAbstract:Recently, the emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has led to their wide use among clubbers and men who have sex with men (MSM) for their stimulant effects. However, their use in Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) has rarely been described. Herein we report a case of a 44-year-old man who was Assaulted after a party. Due to late reporting of the offense, only hair (black) was sampled 15 days later and a segmental analysis was achieved to look for most DFSA agents and NPS. Twenty mg of each segment (A: 0-1 cm, B: 1-3 cm, and C: 3-5 cm) were incubated in phosphate buffer pH 5.0. After alkaline liquid extraction and chromatographic separation on 1.9 μm Hypersil GOLD PFP column, compounds were detected by a TSQ Vantage mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization in positive mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) acquisition. 4-methylethcathinone (4-MEC), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and doxylamine were found in proximal segment at very low concentrations (3, 5, and 9 pg/mg, respectively) which is in agreement with a single exposure in the previous month corresponding to the alleged facts. These substances were not detected in segments B and C showing a lack of repetitive exposure before the alleged event. Thus, the results do not contradict the patient's claim of being Assaulted. Doxylamine has already been encountered in such cases but no publications referring to 4-MEC or MDPV use have ever been documented. Our case reports the unusual administration of cathinones to achieve a Sexual Assault and stresses the interest of looking for designer drugs when dealing with DFSA cases.
