We know that many of you are concerned right now about the rise in reports of drink spiking across the UK. As Students of The University of Law, your safety is extremely important to us.
We recognise the importance of increasing awareness, letting you know what we’re doing to keep you safe as well as working with you to see what else we can do to improve your safety. We've gathered some information to ensure that our students feel safe on nights out.
One of the most common motivations for spiking is to commit a sexual offence. Perpetrators who choose to spike another person are committing a sexual offence whether they commit any other form of sexual violence. There is no excuse for spiking and all guilt and responsibility lies with the perpetrator. The victim is never to blame.
Find out what the University can do to support you HERE
What is drink spiking?
Drink spiking is where something is added to your drink, usually either alcohol or drugs, without your knowledge. This is usually done to make the victim more vulnerable to things including theft, sexual assault or it can be seen as an attempted joke.
What is spiking by injection/needle spiking?
There are increased reports right now of people being injected with drugs, via needles, without their knowledge or consent. It’s believed that the same drugs are being used, as those used in drink spiking, as the symptoms are very similar.
How serious is drink spiking and spiking by injection?
It’s very serious and it is illegal to spike someone’s drink or inject them without their knowledge. The maximum sentence for someone found guilty of drink spiking is 10 years in prison. Spiking by injection is still so new, that nobody has yet been charged. Victims of drink and needle spiking are not the ones at fault and the responsibility for it, lies solely with the perpetrators.
How do I recognise the symptoms?
The effects of drink spiking vary depending on what you’ve been spiked with. Your symptoms could include:
- Lowered inhibitions
- Loss of balance
- Feeling sleepy
- Visual problems
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unconsciousness
If you or a friend start to feel strange or more drunk than you should be, then get help straight away.
What to do if your drink has been spiked?
It only takes a few minutes, 15 – 30 minutes, to feel the effects of a spiked drink. If your drink has been spiked, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to smell, see or taste any difference but if you feel off, or more drunk than you should be then get help straight away from venue staff or by calling an ambulance.
This is a serious crime and should be reported to the police.
You can also report this to the University via the report + support website.
How to be an Active Bystander
Do not tolerate jokes about spiking. As an active bystander, if you hear your friends or peers joking about or planning drink spiking or see something that is concerning, you can intervene if it is safe to do so. Remember the 4 D’s: Direct intervention, Distract, Delegate or Delay.
If you think a friend has had their drink spiked, and they are showing any of the symptoms described above there are a few things you can do to help:
- Tell a bar manager, security or member of staff
- Stay with your friend and keep talking to them
- Don’t let them go home on their own or leave them with someone you don’t know or trust
- Try to prevent them from drinking more alcohol as this could lead to more serious problems
- Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates
Alo, check out the products available for you to use to protect yourself.
