Drink spiking: Resources for those affected
Drink spiking is on the rise, with a number of reported spiking by injection incidents also making waves within the media, university campuses and the nightlife industry in recent weeks. According to the National Police Chief’s Council, almost 200 drink spiking incidents have been reported to police forces across the UK over the past two months, with 24 of the reports including some form of injection.
The sharp rise in reported incidents has led to widespread outcry. A government petition has been launched calling for thorough searches to be implemented, and Night In – formerly known as Girls Night In – is leading a national boycott of clubs and venues. Collectively, students are demanding for clubs to introduce anti-spiking measures and devices at events.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of resources for those affected by drink or physical spiking. Whether you’re concerned that you, or a friend, have been spiked, and are in need of advice or medical assistance, or you’re simply looking for organisations, campaigns or petitions to support, scroll down to take a look at the resources available in the UK and beyond.
We’ll continue to update this list in the coming weeks. If you know of additional resources to add to this list please get in touch at crack@crackmagazine.net. For more information on the boycott, Night In has launched regional Instagram pages for each area taking part. Check in with your local page for up to date information on the boycotts.
UK
Petitions
Petition for an urgent review into drink spiking in the UK:
change.org/p/urgent-review-into-drink-spiking-in-the-uk
Helplines
Nightlines – A student-run listening and information services, open at night:
nightline.ac.uk
Free NHS service:
digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-111-online
Support and services to women and girls who have experienced rape, sexual violence or sexual abuse:
rapecrisis.org.uk
Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre:
rasasc.org.uk
Support
Online community for women and non-binary people offering support and advice:
instagram.com/the.urban.angels
Edinburgh-based walking buddy organisation helping women get home safely:
instagram.com/strutsafe
Support page for victims of spiking to share experiences and offer support:
instagram.com/ivebeenspiked
Support and assistance for those who have been victims of a crime, available 24/7:
victimsupport.org.uk
The Bridge – Care and support for those who’ve been sexually assaulted from drink spiking in Bristol:
thebridgecanhelp.org.uk
Organisation/Campaigns
Grassroots training across the events and music industry/‘Ask For Angela’ initiative:
safersounds.org.uk
Safer nightlife campaign:
goodnightoutcampaign.org/info
Anti-spiking drink lids:
stoptopps.com
Drug safety testing, welfare and harm reduction services:
wearetheloop.org
Drink spiking awareness campaign:
notinmydrink.com
Advice/Info
Drink Aware advice:
drinkaware.co.uk/advice/staying-safe-while-drinking/drink-spiking-and-date-rape-drugs
Advice and support services:
bristolnights.co.uk
Talk to Frank advice:
talktofrank.com/news/spiking
Bristol Drug Project/The Drop advice:
bdp.org.uk/thedrop
Wales
Wales drug and alcohol helpline:
dan247.org.uk
NHS Wales information on spiking:
111.wales.nhs.uk/Drinkspiking
International
Australia’s national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line:
1800respect.org.au (AUS)
NGO dedicated to college sexual assault prevention and survivor support:
itsonus.org (US)
National Sexual Assault hotline:
rainn.org (US)
Drink spiking test:
undercovercolors.com (USA)
If you know of other resources we should add to this list, please email crack@crackmagazine.net.
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