Help after suspected spiking (knockout drops)

Are you experiencing unexplained physical or psychological symptoms?

For example, do you feel dazed, spaced out, hyperactive, or do you perceive colours differently?

All of this can be very frightening. If you feel this way, please seek help. It is possible that substances have been secretly administered to you.

What to do if you suspect you have been drugged

Your health and safety are the top priority right now.

You decide what to do and when. Your options include:

  • Medical examination
  • Preserving evidence without involving the police
  • Counselling and support
  • Reporting the incident to the police

Taking any of these steps is entirely up to you.

You can find more details on these various steps here.

Act quickly if you want to detect substances in your system! Since some substances rapidly break down in the body, it is crucial to have blood and urine samples immediately collected at one of the hospitals or medical practices listed here. These facilities have specially trained staff.

If you do not wish to report the incident to the police straight away, they can collect evidence confidentially.

Important guidance if you suspect sexual violence

If possible:

  • do not shower or wash
  • do not change your clothes; bring them unwashed in a paper bag
  • bring tampons or any other potential evidence with you
  • visit a hospital or medical practice as soon as possible
  • call ahead and state that you suspect you were given knockout drops
  • bring someone you trust with you.

You have the right to a medical examination. Even if you have no visible injuries, getting examined is advisable at any stageand can offer peace of mind. 

You do not need to report the incident to the police to receive a medical examination. Doctors are bound by medical confidentiality and may only contact the police with your explicit consent.

Reporting a crime after suspected spiking

If you suspect you have recently been drugged and wish to report the matter to the police, we recommend having blood and urine samples taken as soon as possible beforehand.

Here you can find a list of hospitals and medical practices where blood and urine samples can be collected if you suspect spiking.

  • If possible, call ahead and explain that you suspect you were secretly given a substance.
  • You may be accompanied by someone you trust.
  • Inform the staff that you wish to report the incident. The staff will call the police on your behalf.
  • Blood and urine samples will then be analysed for the police to test for common substances. It may take several weeks for test results to become available.

Please note that a negative test result does not necessarily mean that no substances or knockout drops were administered. Due to rapid metabolic breakdown in the body and the wide variety of substances used, tests are not always definitive.

Did the incident happen some time ago and you now wish to report it? In that case, it is best to file a report directly online via the Internetwache (online police portal) or call the relevant State Criminal Police Office (LKA 14) on 030 / 4664 91 41 00.

Reporting the offence can help protect you and establish clear boundaries.

However, criminal proceedings can also be stressful and do not always result in a conviction.

A counselling centre can offer free, confidential advice to help you make the right decision. 

If you wish, you can access psychosocial support during the proceedings.

For most sexual offences, you do not have to cover the cost of psychosocial support during the legal proceedings yourself.

You can obtain further information about this from a counselling centre. A list of active psychosocial court supporters in Berlin is available here (scroll down to ‘P’).

Seeking counselling after being drugged

It takes time to process an experience of violence.

You do not have to face your fears, worries, anger and uncertainty alone. Counselling centres can help you make sense of what happened and find ways for you to cope with the stress.

Please note that a negative test result does not necessarily mean that no substances were administered. Due to rapid metabolic breakdown in the body and the wide variety of substances used, tests are not always definitive.

For specialised advice, please contact LARA, the specialist counselling centre, whose counsellors have extensive experience with cases involving knockout drops.

Their counsellors will also support you in deciding whether or not you should report the incident to the police.

All counselling is voluntary, completely confidential and anonymous if preferred, and available regardless of whether you file a police report.

Knockout drops: How to help as a friend

Does a friend suspect they were given knockout drops or other substances, and that a sexual assault may have taken place? If so, acting quickly and calmly is vital:

  • Stay with the person! Ensure they are in a calm, safe environment.
  • Most importantly: listen to them, believe them, and do not pressure them into anything. Their autonomy and their own pace are paramount.
  • Ask them what they need.Offering a drink of water can help.
  • In consultation with the person concerned, contact the medical services as soon as possible. Even without visible injuries, a medical examination is advisable at any stage. You can find a list of specialist hospitals and medical practices here. If possible, call them beforehand to explain the suspected use of knockout drops.
  • Have blood and urine samples collected at the hospital or medical practice as soon as possible. 

It is also advisable to document the incident promptly: work together to write down whatever memories they have, even if only fragmentary. Reporting the incident to the police is an option, but it does not have to be done immediately. Confidential evidence collection can also be carried out first.

Counselling centres can provide you with additional support and information on what steps to take next.

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