France launches national campaign against chemical submission

France has launched a major national awareness campaign to combat chemical submission, a form of violence where victims are incapacitated by sedatives. The initiative is supported by Aurore Bergé, the Minister for Equality and the Fight against Discrimination, and is being spearheaded by the association #MendorsPas, led by Caroline Darian.

Following the high-profile Mazan rape trial, the campaign aims to help the public, professionals, and victims recognize the warning signs of drug-facilitated assault. Gisèle Pelicot is also supporting the movement, turning her personal experience into a public cause to advocate for emergency protocols and increased testing.

The campaign will be visible across television, press, social media, and urban advertising through October 18. In France, approximately 1,200 suspected cases are recorded annually, though officials believe this number is significantly underestimated. Statistics indicate that in 90% of cases, the perpetrator is known to the victim, such as a partner, colleague, or acquaintance.