Drug-Facilitated Assaults
Were you "roofied"? We help survivors understand their rights, navigate the evidence process, and hold perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable.
What Is Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault?
Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) occurs when a perpetrator uses alcohol or drugs — often administered without the victim's knowledge — to incapacitate them and commit sexual assault. Victims frequently experience memory gaps, confusion, unexplained injuries, or physical symptoms consistent with chemical incapacitation. Because of these effects, many survivors are uncertain about what happened, which can make coming forward feel overwhelming.
Common substances used include GHB, Rohypnol ("roofies"), ketamine, and high doses of alcohol. These drugs metabolize quickly, which is why prompt medical attention and toxicology testing are critical to preserving evidence and building a legal case.
The SART Exam: What You Need to Know
A Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) exam — though commonly referred to as a rape kit — is the actual medical and forensic examination performed by a trained professional, while a "rape kit" is typically the physical collection box and tools used during that exam to gather DNA and other evidence. It is the most important step a survivor can take after a drug-facilitated assault. When performed promptly, the exam collects biological evidence and, critically, can include toxicology screening to detect the presence of incapacitating substances.
Time is of the essence. Most drugs used in facilitated assaults leave the body within 12 to 72 hours. The sooner a SART exam is performed, the greater the chance of detecting substances and preserving the evidence needed to support a civil or criminal case. You do not need to decide whether to press charges in order to have the exam — evidence can be preserved while you decide. Unfortunately, some survivors report that they were never informed of this option or that the hospital failed to provide the exam entirely, leaving them without vital medical support or preserved evidence that could have aided their pursuit of justice.When medical professionals neglect to offer or provide a SART exam, it can have serious emotional, physical, and legal consequences. Such failures may impact your ability to pursue criminal charges, secure protective measures, or file civil claims. Our firm is committed to thoroughly investigating these lapses in care, holding institutions accountable, and helping survivors understand their rights. You may be entitled to compensation for the trauma you endured, the medical treatment you required, and any negligence that occurred during your hospital visit. If you or someone you care about visited a hospital after a suspected assault but did not receive, or were not offered a SART exam, we urge you to take action today. Contact our legal team for a confidential, no‑obligation consultation. We are here to listen, to answer your questions, and to help you understand the steps you can take to protect your rights and seek justice. Reach out now. Your voice matters, and we are ready to stand with you.
Most drugs used in facilitated assaults leave the body within 12 to 72 hours. Seeking a SART exam as quickly as possible is critical to preserving evidence.
Go to an Emergency Room or SART Center
Seek medical care immediately, even if you are unsure what happened. Tell the medical team you may have been drugged and sexually assaulted so they can initiate the appropriate protocol.
Request Toxicology Testing
Specifically ask for a urine and blood toxicology screen as part of your SART exam. Standard rape kits do not always include drug testing unless requested — advocate for yourself or bring someone who can advocate for you.
Preserve Evidence
Do not shower, change clothes, eat, drink, or use the bathroom before the exam if possible. Keep any cups, bottles, or containers from the scene in a sealed bag — they may contain residue of the substance used.
Document Everything
Write down everything you remember as soon as you are able — the location, people present, what you drank or consumed, and any symptoms you experienced. Even fragmented memories can be valuable.
Contact an Attorney
A civil attorney can help you understand your rights, identify all responsible parties, and take steps to preserve additional evidence before it is lost. There is no obligation and no cost for an initial consultation.
Who Can Be Held Accountable?
Individual Perpetrators
Civil claims can be brought directly against the person who administered the substance and committed the assault, independent of any criminal prosecution.
Bars & Nightclubs
Establishments that serve alcohol have a duty to maintain safe premises. When staff witness or enable drugging — or fail to act on warning signs — the venue may share legal responsibility.
Hotels & Event Venues
Hotels, resorts, and event spaces that fail to implement adequate security measures or respond to reports of suspicious behavior may be liable for assaults that occur on their premises.
Employers & Organizations
When drug-facilitated assault occurs at a company event, conference, or within a workplace context, the employer or organizing institution may bear responsibility for failing to provide a safe environment.
Rideshare Companies
Uber, Lyft, and similar services have faced litigation for failing to adequately vet drivers. When a driver uses drugs to facilitate an assault, the company's negligent screening practices may be at issue.
Universities & Fraternities
Campus organizations and Greek life chapters have faced significant liability for drug-facilitated assaults that occur at events they host or sponsor, particularly when prior incidents were ignored.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at [email protected] if you cannot find an answer to your question.
What are SART exams and why are they important?+
SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) Exams are also often referred to as "rape kits." When a woman gives consent to a facility to conduct these tests, there are procedures for the process to ensure the health of the person, as well as providing proper evidence if needed for law enforcement.
Initial Consultation:
A private discussion to address concerns and explain the procedures.
Thorough Physical Examination:
Conducted in a secure environment by experienced healthcare professionals: physical examination, testing and preventive care, documentation of injuries. This can include swabs, and collecting of clothes, hair and fingernail evidence — along with blood and urine when drugging is suspected.
Evidence Collection:
Performed respectfully, safeguarding the survivor's dignity while preserving crucial forensic evidence. When there are memory lapses, blood and urine samples should be collected.
What common concerns might survivors have regarding the exam process?+
Many are worried about the exam's scope, potential anxiety over medical assessments, and unclear result interpretations. Understanding the process can alleviate stress and improve readiness for follow-up actions.
How can exam outcomes support further treatment?+
Results are used to craft personalized recovery plans, adjusting therapeutic techniques and addressing any unresolved issues — perhaps dealing with therapy, legal issues or police involvement. There may be an STI, pregnancy or suggestion for counseling.
Are results delivered within a set timeframe?+
Yes, survivors can generally expect a prompt feedback process, ensuring that they receive timely guidance for next steps. Some facilities can test urine or blood samples on their premises, while others may need to send the samples out to a lab.
Who performs SART Exams?+
A SART team typically includes:
- A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or forensic nurse
- Law enforcement officers
- Victim advocates
- Prosecutors (as part of the broader team, not present at the medical exam itself)
Reflections on the Value of SART Exams+
SART exams play a vital role in ensuring that survivors can access the comprehensive support needed to begin their journey towards healing and justice. By addressing both the examination and the responsive interventions, these exams act as a cornerstone in creating safe, reassuring pathways for those involved. SART exams can serve as a critical tool in gathering admissible evidence for legal cases.
You can read more about SART Exams on our blog.
Free, Confidential Consultation
If you believe you were the victim of a drug-facilitated assault, you may have a legal claim even if you are uncertain about the details of what happened. Our attorneys will listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your options — at no cost and with complete confidentiality.
Contact Us Today