Authorities in Bern are considering a new online reporting system to combat the hidden issue of drug-facilitated sexual assault. This initiative follows a successful model implemented in Zurich, aiming to lower barriers for victims to report these crimes.
The Canton of Bern has seen a low number of reported cases involving chemical substances, with only twelve suspected incidents since 2022. Experts believe this figure represents only a small fraction of the actual occurrences, highlighting a significant 'dark figure' of unreported crimes.
Key Takeaways
- Bern is considering an online reporting form for sexual offenses, including those involving K.O. drops.
- This initiative aims to reduce barriers for victims to report crimes.
- Zurich's similar system saw 50 reports in eight months, with about half leading to formal charges.
- K.O. drops are difficult to detect, remaining in blood for up to six hours and urine for twelve hours.
- Victims often experience memory loss and shame, making immediate reporting challenging.
The Silent Struggle of Victims
Many victims of drug-facilitated assaults, often referred to as K.O. drops, suffer from severe memory loss and a sense of shame. These factors often prevent them from coming forward immediately after an incident.
One 17-year-old, identified as Zora L., experienced this firsthand. After a night out in Bern, she woke up in an unfamiliar apartment with no memory of how she got there. She suffered from severe nausea and vomiting, common symptoms associated with K.O. drops.
"Victims should not wash themselves after such an experience. They should go to the hospital immediately for an examination or contact the police," advises Dr. Anja Wüest, a youth and child gynecologist.
Dr. Wüest regularly treats victims of K.O. drop attacks. She emphasizes the importance of swift action because these substances are only detectable for a short period. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, a common substance used as K.O. drops, is colorless, odorless, and tastes slightly salty or soapy. Its effects can begin within 15 minutes, leaving victims vulnerable.
Quick Facts about K.O. Drops
- Detection Window: Up to 6 hours in blood, up to 12 hours in urine.
- Common Substance: Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB).
- Characteristics: Colorless, odorless, slightly salty or soapy taste.
- Effect: Renders victims manipulable, helpless, or unconscious.
- Onset: Effects can begin within 15 minutes.
Challenges in Reporting and Investigation
The Bern Cantonal Police acknowledge the high number of unreported cases. Nicole Fernandez-Vogt, who specializes in sexual offenses for the Bern Cantonal Police, points out a key difficulty.
"The problem for victims of chemical substances is that they cannot remember the act at all. This increases the hurdle for reporting," says Fernandez-Vogt.
Police interrogations can be distressing for victims, especially when they have memory gaps. The goal of medical examinations is to document injuries, initiate necessary treatments like emergency contraception, and provide prophylactic HIV treatment. Victims are also advised to bring the clothes they wore during the incident for forensic evidence.
The Bern Model
The "Bern Model" is a professional support system for victims of sexual violence. It ensures that interviews and examinations are conducted by female personnel, including gynecologists and police officers. This approach aims to make victims feel heard and supported as they process their experiences.
Even if a victim does not wish to press charges immediately, evidence can be secured. A formal complaint can be filed up to ten years after the incident.
Zurich's Online Reporting Success
The Canton of Zurich introduced a new online reporting procedure for sexual offenses in June. This system allows victims to contact the relevant police department through an online form, removing the need for an immediate in-person visit to a police station.
This approach has proven effective. Between June 2025 and January 2026, Zurich's online form received 50 reports related to sexual offenses. Approximately half of these reports led to formal charges.
The Bern Cantonal Police are currently evaluating a similar online contact form for sexual offenses. They hope this will reduce reporting barriers and increase the number of official complaints, providing a clearer picture of the true extent of these crimes.
Legal Framework and Prevention Efforts
The Bernese Cantonal Government recently addressed the issue, noting the difficulty in detecting chemical substances in time due to delays between the crime and the report. Swiss criminal law defines "chemical subjugation" as making a person incapable of resistance, with penalties up to ten years in prison.
Prevention Strategies
- School Programs: The Cantonal Police integrate substance abuse awareness into age-appropriate modules for 8th and 9th graders as part of a holistic approach to preventing sexual violence.
- Public Campaigns: Police participate in campaigns in nightclubs and support the "Together Without Sexual Violence" campaign by Swiss Crime Prevention.
Dr. Wüest offers specific prevention advice:
- Never leave open drinks unattended.
- Always collect drinks directly from the bar or wait staff.
- Friends should look out for each other and intervene if strangers try to assist or remove a vulnerable person.
- If you suspect something is wrong, seek help from other guests or inform the police immediately.
New Sexual Criminal Law Aids Victims
A significant change in Swiss sexual criminal law took effect on July 1, 2024. The "No Means No" solution now applies, meaning passivity, silence, or lack of reaction no longer constitute consent. This is particularly relevant for K.O. drop cases.
"Passivity, silence, or the absence of a reaction are no longer consent – this is precisely the case with K.O. drops," explains Dr. Anja Wüest.
This legal update acknowledges that victims under the influence of drugs or in a state of shock may be unable to express their refusal. While Zora L. is currently not filing a complaint, she experiences panic attacks. She plans to consider reporting the incident once she has recovered more fully.
The Bern Cantonal Police urges anyone who suspects they have been given K.O. drops to contact the sexual violence hotline at 031 332 77 77 immediately.