Attacks with knockout drops: Why anonymous forensics are so important

It especially happens when partying, in the club or in the bar: a brief careless moment and the perpetrator pours knockout drops into the drink unnoticed. The consequences are devastating and range from helplessness to serious sexual assault.

Just last weekend, an affected woman sought help at Bethesda Hospital in Mönchengladbach. She reported knockout drops and a rape - and as a victim, she received immediate medical care.

The situation in emergency rooms illustrates the extent of the problem. Once or twice a week, people are admitted to the Mönchengladbach hospital because of a sexual offense. It is no longer just about acute medical care, but equally about professional forensic evidence for possible criminal prosecution.

Sandra Porath, senior physician at the central emergency room, often takes care of those affected in the emergency room. She explains that those who come to them with suspicion of knockout drops and sexual violence are also taken directly to a special room in the emergency room. They then ask: "Does this have to be done directly? Because then you have the option of coming here and having the whole thing recorded anonymously, even if you don't want to contact the police at first."

Suspected cases increase particularly at peak times such as Carnival or New Year's Eve, as assistant doctor Hannah Baum from gynecology confirms: "We also have many cases where women tell us that they might have had knockout drops in their drink, then we will of course initiate further investigations. Should there be another charge later."

In this case, the examination data remains anonymously stored at Bethesda Hospital for up to five years. This creates a protected space in which those affected can initially process the incident without immediately having to feel the pressure of a direct police interrogation. It is one of many hospitals in Germany that use this special procedure to care for victims of sexual violence or domestic violence.

The problem, however, is that far too few people know about this possibility. To counteract this, cities like Mönchengladbach are also focusing on targeted prevention work, such as a poster campaign in collaboration with the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. Svenja Oosterom is the deputy equal opportunities officer for the city of Mönchengladbach. They have had 1,000 posters printed and are distributing them around the city, including tear-off sheets.

The number of unreported cases of those affected is high, she emphasizes: "Of course, people try to close their eyes a little to bad issues, according to the motto: It doesn't affect me, it won't happen to me. But the statistics clearly speak against it. And that's why it concerns us all."

In acute cases, however, quick action is essential, as knockout drops can only be detected in the human body for a short period of time. In order to protect themselves in advance, many celebrants are now turning to aids such as test kits or special bracelets.

However, experts remind you that these tools do not guarantee 100% safety, as not all potential substances can be detected by the tests. Vigilance in your surroundings and mutual protection therefore remain the most effective companion when celebrating.