Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault among University Students in Spain: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study
Nuria García-Couceiro, Patricia Gómez, Manuel Isorna, Sandra Vidal-Martínez, Antonio RialAbstract
Introduction:
This study aims to enhance understanding of drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) among Spanish university students. It provides data on the prevalence of victimization, characteristics of events regarding victim profiles, situational context, post-assault actions, emotional correlates, and relationships with substance use, problematic internet use (PIU), and risky online and sexual behaviors.
Methods:
A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among Spanish university students using convenience sampling. A total of 1,947 students completed the survey, and 1,790 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analyses.
Results:
Of the participants, 73.5% were female, with a mean age of 20 years. A total of 10.6% reported experiencing DFSA at least once (12.7% female participants vs. 5.1% male participants). Among DFSA victims, 93.6% reported voluntary alcohol and/or drug consumption before the assault, 30.8% reported suspected or confirmed surreptitious substance administration, and 24.4% reported both. The mean age at the incident was 17.31 years, and only 25% occurred during university. Victims showed a significantly higher prevalence of moderate-to-severe depression (
Conclusion:
The prevalence of DFSA among university students is concerning. The strong association with mental health issues, substance use, and risky behaviors underscores the need to address DFSA from a comprehensive public health perspective.