Chances are, you’ve met someone who’s been spiked; a swapped story in a busy bathroom that sent a chill down your spine, or a fun night out with friends that ended in terror. It’s a wildly common occurrence, with Drinkaware reporting that one in ten people have had their drink spiked, and yet there is still no dedicated law to tackle it. “It’s so prevalent because the convictions are so low, says Helena Conibear, CEO of the Alcohol Education Trust, who says spiking has reached “epidemic levels” in the UK. “The existing legislation just isn’t working.”
Being spiked means being covertly given drugs or alcohol without your consent, most often slipped into a drink by someone who intends to use their incapacitating effects to manipulate or assault their victim – although there are occasional reports of spiking via needles. In the past year alone, nearly 1,000 cases were recorded by the National Crime Agency in the UK, and the real number is likely to be much higher since so many victims feel it’s not worth reporting when so little can be done. “Gone are the days, thank goodness, when a victim would be dismissed by the police as ‘just having too much to drink’ or told at the hospital that it must have been their own fault, but that shift in cultural understanding isn’t actually bringing down the numbers,” says Dawn Dines, CEO of Stamp Out Spiking. “It’s happening at house parties and work dos, in members-only clubs and local pubs, at graduations and even funerals. It’s quite frightening, to be honest with you.”
It’s why campaigners including Dines have been on the government’s case for years, demanding that the law be updated to name spiking as a specific criminal offence. As it stands, you can be convicted for the crimes that tend to follow spiking, such as rape or robbery, and you could also try to prosecute under the vague 1861 Offence Against The Person Act – but this approach has so rarely led to justice that many believe it to be useless.
“We need a law change so we can actually understand the true extent of these crimes and send a clear message to perpetrators and victims that something can be done about spiking,” says Dines. Early last year Dines met with the Home Secretary, and in July spiking was mentioned in the King’s Speech as part of the government’s commitment to “halving violence against women and girls in a decade”.
“Gone are the days, thank goodness, when a victim would be dismissed by the police as ‘just having too much to drink’ or told at the hospital that it must have been their own fault, but that shift in cultural understanding isn’t actually bringing down the numbers”
Dawn Dines, CEO of Stamp Out Spiking
Although it’s been an uphill battle and the bill to make spiking a specific criminal offence is still lingering in the House of Lords, Dines is positive. “We first petitioned for this five years ago, and now we are so close to getting it done,” she said. “We just need the government to take this seriously and put some money behind it so there’s training in police forces, hospitals and nightlife establishments. Then we’re going to see more convictions and hopefully a big drop in cases.”
Until then, she’s adamant that no one’s lives are hindered by a few bad actors. “It is a minority of perpetrators committing these crimes, and we mustn’t let that put us off going out and enjoying ourselves,” says Dines. “When you are out, use drink protectors where possible and choose pubs or bars where workers have had training on spiking awareness and are putting some effort into safeguarding their customers. We all just need to keep an eye out for each other.” Here’s hoping that, before long, this cowardly crime is stamped out for good.
5 Resources For Help & Support If You – Or Someone You Know – Has Been Spiked
1. Stamp Out Spiking – A not-for-profit company that raises awareness of the dangers of spiking and offers practical solutions to keep you and your friends safe.
2. Victim Support – An independent charity that supports victims of crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.
3. Talk To Frank – An organisation dedicated to providing honest information and support about drugs, their effects, and the law.
4. Nightline – A student-run listening and information service, open at night.
5. Rape Crisis – Support and services for women and girls who have experienced sexual abuse, violence or rape.
Additional words by Meena Alexander.
