Higher penalties for knockout drops: Federal Minister of Justice is calling for at least five years in prison

From Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig's point of view, higher penalties for the use of knockout drops would be a clear sign of deterrence for potential perpetrators. "That's a strong signal and a strong stop sign when you know that if you do something like that, you'll be sentenced to at least five years in prison," said the SPD politician in the ARD morning magazine.

The first discussion on a corresponding draft law will take place in the Bundestag in the afternoon. Anyone who uses dangerous means to commit rape or robbery should therefore face at least five years in prison in the future. In addition, knockout drops should be legally classified in the same way as a weapon or a dangerous tool.

So far three years minimum sentence

Hubig emphasized that cases in the home environment also need to be recorded. In addition, the creation, possession and distribution of rape videos should be more heavily punished. The planned reform is part of the federal government's overall strategy for better protection against violence.

According to current law, the secret use of knockout drops in the event of a robbery or sexual offense can already be taken into account to make the punishment more severe. However, it is not automatically a particularly serious form of sexual assault or robbery, which is why there is only a minimum sentence of three years.

Awareness campaigns should help

Deterrence alone never helps, the Justice Minister continued. "We need education, we need better prevention - everything that goes with it." Among other things, an “awareness campaign for rural areas” is already making it clear where women can get help.

Anyone who wants to preserve marks on their body after being overwhelmed by knockout drops can have this done in hospitals and special facilities. There is also a need for awareness campaigns in bars, for example - some are already taking part in them.

Act quickly to preserve evidence

Kira Daviter, founder of a self-help group for people who have been victims of knockout drops, emphasized that in addition to harsher punishments for the perpetrators, the evidence must also be addressed. Because penalties could only be applied if cases ended up in court. From Daviter's point of view, this also requires training for the police and staff in doctor's offices. You have to act quickly in order to be able to detect the drops in the body.

She advises those affected to get support. This could happen in a private environment, but also in professional positions. It is important to get back to the “here and now”.