Blacking Out or Blackouts vs. Passing Out

Are blackouts and passing out the same?

Overview

I. Blacking Out vs Passing Out

II. Protect Yourself

III. Resources

Women who were drinking and report rape often don’t remember clearly what happened. And defendants may claim that the woman gave consent for sex. So juries often face a case of “she said, he said.”

Men need to know that laws prohibit sex with anyone who can’t give informed consent. This includes anyone under a specified age. And anyone with impaired judgment. And impairment can be from things such as mentally disability, intoxication, or a high from drugs.

I. Blackouts vs Passing Out

Some women don’t remember what happened at all during the rape. Therefore, they may think they were unconscious. But they’re usually suffering from a blackout.

There are two forms of alcohol blackout. One is “en bloc blackout.” In this, the person experiences amnesia covering the entire period of intoxication. The other is fragmentary blackout. The person experiences partial amnesia of that period. The latter are more common.

It is important that we not confuse blackouts with passing out. When people pass out they are not conscious of what’s going on. That is, they are unconscious.

On the other hand, people who suffer a blackout have amnesia. They were aware of what was going on while intoxicated. But now they can’t remember it.

People who are conscious may be able to give consent if they choose. However, those who are unconscious can never give consent.