Women must feel safe, judgement-free reporting sex crimes

There is unlikely to be a woman who does not grasp the fact that simply being female increases her vulnerability to sexual exploitation and other physical and emotional harm.

The recent allegations by two young American visitors to Barbados regarding their experience with date rape drugs have sparked significant concern and provided evidence of this real and present danger facing women, not only in Barbados but across the region.

The women, both in their 20s, shared their ordeal on social media, describing how their drinks were allegedly spiked with ecstasy and possibly cocaine while they were in the company of two men.

Their account has drawn attention to the dangers of drug-facilitated assault, particularly in social settings where women may unknowingly be at risk. The Barbados Police Service has acknowledged the matter and insisted they are conducting investigations. However, the incident underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures to protect women from such threats.

This case also serves as a stark reminder that vigilance and education are crucial in combating drug-related crimes. Strengthening policies, encouraging open discussions, and fostering a culture of safety can help mitigate the risks associated with date rape drugs.

There is no doubt that concerns over date rape drugs have grown significantly across the world, including here in this region. In fact, the environment and public sentiment on this island towards the use of some illegal drugs like marijuana have become considerably more relaxed.

The veneer of the region’s picture-perfect scenery, culture, hospitality and landscapes can sometimes mask the underbelly of the dangers that lurk in plain sight.

Increasing awareness about date rape drugs is not just a precaution; it is a necessity for safeguarding personal safety and ensuring that women make informed choices even in social settings with people they believe they know well or may even trust.

The literature and research show that the substances commonly used to compromise women, making them vulnerable to sexual assault, are often colourless, odourless, tasteless, and can be slipped into drinks without being detected.

Their effects can include dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and unconsciousness, rendering victims defenceless and unable to recall the assault afterwards. This is most problematic for women when seeking to report such matters to law enforcement.

The Barbados Drug Information Network 2023 report highlighted how the antiquated drug legislation was severely undermining the island’s ability to combat the illicit trade in emerging psychoactive substances.

It was Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams who admitted earlier this year as the report was released: “There are new psychoactive substances coming out, and the legislation that deals with possession and trafficking and intent to supply contemplates weights of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine and so on, but it doesn’t contemplate, for example, ecstasy.

“So, you will find that when persons are held with these drugs, the charge would be possession, but the other levels that you have to get to to qualify for trafficking or intent to supply are not there in the legislation. Many of these drugs may be actually worse than cannabis, but because they are not accounted for in the legislation, the persons will get a slap on the wrist.”

Although these substances are illegal in many countries, their availability through illicit means remains a persistent issue. Reports of women experiencing symptoms consistent with date rape drug exposure continue to increase, highlighting the urgent need for heightened vigilance.

We maintain that government, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders must take proactive measures to combat drug-facilitated sexual assault.

Policies against drug-related crimes must be strengthened, and most importantly, there must be increasing surveillance at entertainment venues. In addition, promoting public awareness messages about the need to create a safer environment for women must be prioritised.

Equally, our police officers must be trained to offer a more empathetic response to victims of such assaults, who often blame themselves for falling prey to such sexual crimes.

Without the fear of judgement by police officers, more women are likely to report such crimes, and so more meaningful action can be taken against the perpetrators.