Women's safety
Ensuring the safety of women in situations of consumption is a collective responsibility.
Alcohol consumption among women increases the risk of experiencing or committing violence.1
Although alcohol is often associated with festive occasions, it can impair judgment and lower inhibitions , carrying risks such as committing and experiencing violence in drinking contexts. However, alcohol alone doesn’t explain violent behavior1. Culture, the drinking context, and individual characteristics also play a significant role in the actions of those who engage in violent behavior1.
In a culture where roles and behaviors are influenced by gender , the expectations for men and women regarding alcohol consumption are different. Alcohol-related violent behaviors are more often directed towards women2. Women’s safety can therefore be compromised in drinking contexts, whether they consume alcohol or not2.
Testimony of a woman on safety in bars
French only
Safety in Consumption Contexts
8 in 10 women say they don’t feel safe in bars in Quebec3
The feeling of insecurity in consumption contexts translates into the fear of becoming a victim of violent acts during parties, festivals, or concerts. This concern may stem from past experiences of violence. It also reflects the negative reputation of festive venues and the lack of safety measures in these contexts4. In response to these situations, women tend to take measures to ensure their own safety, such as drinking their beverages more quickly to avoid leaving them unattended, or moving in groups.
More than one in three women report drinking their beverages more quickly in public places out of fear that someone might slip a drug into their drink.5 In prioritizing their safety, some women feel compelled to limit the places they go and the activities they participate in4. Drinking more quickly can, however, increase the risk of alcohol intoxication.
Demystifying the "date rape drug" or involuntary drug intoxication
Despite precautions, more than one in ten women aged 18 to 54 report having had a drug slipped into their drink without their knowledge.5
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate sodium) is often associated with sexual assault incidents, where it is added to someone’s drink without their knowledge, leading to a loss of inhibition and memory4. While this alarming image is based on real cases, it downplays the broader reality of sexual violence in consumption settings. Alcohol is the primary substance involved in drug-facilitated assaults6,7, but other substances can also be used. Chemical submission can also be used to commit other crimes8.
Various substance detection tools can detect substances both in drinks and in the body. However, these methods can be costly and do not always confirm the presence or absence of a substance. A screening test may be performed up to 48 hours after intoxication, but this depends on the substance in question and how quickly it is eliminated from the body9. Whether a substance was consumed willingly or unwillingly, it is crucial not to place blame on the victim in situations of sexual violence. The only person responsible for assaults is the perpetrator.
Testimonial on consent in consumption settings
French only
Initiatives in festive settings
Initiatives have been implemented to contribute to the safety of women in consumption settings.
Élixir
Élixir is an organization based in Sherbrooke that works to create activities focused on information, education, and support, aimed at reducing the negative impacts of psychoactive substance use, particularly by raising awareness of the specific issues related to substance use and its impact on women’s lives.
GRIP
The GRIP is an organization that operates in harm reduction and prevention with the goal of informing and intervening in festive environments, promoting a positive experience for all populations attending both popular and underground settings, by providing proximity services and support in the Montreal region and throughout Quebec. Their Spotlight Project offers a service focused on preventing sexual violence in festive settings.
Social collective
The Social collective is a non-profit organization dedicated to implementing and supporting community and social initiatives aimed at meeting the needs of young people aged 18 to 35, particularly in the fight against sexual violence. Its “Commande un Angelot” project offers training for staff in consumption environments such as bars and festive events, helping them prevent and respond to sexual violence in these settings.
Find out about Élixir Find out about the GRIP Find out about the Social collective
What does consent really mean?
References
[1] Bernards S. et al. (2022) Analyse des revues sur le lien entre la consommation d’alcool et les actes d’agression et de violence. Ottawa, Centre canadien sur les dépendances et l’usage de substances.
[2] Gunby C, Carline A, Taylor S, et al. (2020) Unwanted Sexual Attention in the Night-Time Economy: Behaviors, Safety Strategies, and Conceptualizing “Feisty Femininity”. Fem Criminol 15: 24–46.
[3] ASPQ-Léger (2023). Rapport de sondage : Perception sur la consommation d’alcool. https://aspq.org/app/uploads/2024/02/rapport-aspq-15667_052.pdf
[4] Conseil des montréalaises, Ville de Montréal (2017) Montréal une ville festive pour toutes, Montréal.
[5] ASPQ-Léger (2023) Rapport de sondage : L’alcool au féminin – sondage auprès des Québécoises. https://aspq.org/app/uploads/2023/11/15667_054-rapport-aspq-alcool-au-feminin.pdf
[6] Démystifier la drogue du viol | Info-aide violence sexuelle (2023) 2023. https://infoaideviolencesexuelle.ca/demystifier-la-drogue-du-viol/.
[7] Nutt DJ, King LA, Phillips LD, et al. (2010) Drug harms in the UK: a multicriteria decision analysis. Lancet Lond Engl 376: 1558–1565.
[8] Office québécois de la langue française. « Soumission chimique ». En ligne. https://vitrinelinguistique.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/fiche-gdt/fiche/26574484/soumission-chimique
[9] Pour le patient – Québec rend accessibles des trousses pour détecter plus de 200 substances intoxicantes, dont le GHB, dans l’ensemble des urgences Gouvernement du Québec. https://www.quebec.ca/nouvelles/actualites/details/pour-le-patient-quebec-rend-accessibles-des-trousses-pour-detecter-plus-de-200-substances-intoxicantes-dont-le-ghb-dans-lensemble-des-urgences-52523.