Abstract
There is a stark contrast between heightened perceptions of risk associated with drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) and a lack of evidence that this is a widespread threat. Through surveys and interviews with university students in the United Kingdom and United States, we explore knowledge and beliefs about drink-spiking and the linked threat of sexual assault. University students in both locations are not only widely sensitized to the issue, but substantial segments claim first- or second-hand experience of particular incidents. We explore students’ understanding of the DFSA threat in relationship to their attitudes concerning alcohol, binge-drinking, and responsibility for personal safety. We suggest that the drink-spiking narrative has a functional appeal in relation to the contemporary experience of young women's public drinking.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 848-862 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | British Journal of Criminology |
Volume | 49 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- uncertainty
- risk
- alcohol
- sexual assault