Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-002080/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Assita Kanko (ECR)
Chemical submission leading to rape due to the inherent absence of consent is a serious and cross-border issue, as highlighted during the joint hearing of Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality and Committee on Public Health on 9 April 2025. This form of sexual violence involves the non-consensual administration of substances to render victims defenceless. Since 2021, reports of ‘needle spiking’ have emerged in Belgium and several other countries. This illustrates the evolving and transnational nature of the threat. The consequences for the victims are severe, ranging from memory loss to sexually transmitted infections. Many cases go unreported or unresolved.
- 1.How will the Commission support the development and deployment of preventive technologies – such as drink test kits, warning apps, and detection systems – and what specific measures is it taking to combat chemical submission, including needle spiking, given its cross-border nature and the loopholes in current legislation?
- 2.What steps are being taken to enhance forensic capabilities across Member States to detect substances used in drug-facilitated sexual assault?
- 3.How will the Commission guarantee prevention and comprehensive victim support, including medical, psychological and legal aid in all Member States – particularly in cases of rape, given the lack of a common definition of non-consensual sexual acts?
Submitted: 22.5.2025