At ECSA we have seen the deeply disturbing reports of spiking being on the rise throughout the country. As a team, we firmly believe that everyone should be safe when they are enjoying a night out.
Spiking is not a crime anyone should feel the need to protect themselves from. The fact that these very serious crimes are on the rise shows that more needs to be done by society to ensure we are all safe from predators and dangers.
"Spiking" is when someone adds drugs (or alcohol) to another person's drink without their knowledge. Spiking is a crime and can carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
For more information on spiking please check out this site: Drink spiking and date rape drugs
Here are some of the signs of spiking to look out for :
- Nausea
- unconsciousness
- loss of balance
- lowered inhibitions
- feeling sleepy
- confusion and visual problems
If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you normally would, you should get help straight away.
It is not your fault if you are spiked, but there are some steps you can take for your own safety if it happens or if you are worried it has happened:
- Speak to a member of Venue staff or security.
- Tell your friends and ask them to stay with you
- If you start to feel worse, ask for an ambulance to be called
- Don’t walk off alone or go home on your own or with anyone you don’t know or trust
- Try not to drink more alcohol as this could lead to more serious problems
- Raise your hand into the air or do something that will be eye-catching, so you are easily spotted on CCTV
- take note of where you are and who is around you. Try to find something to help identify who is around you so If you report it to the police it is easier to identify.
Rose, Student President:
It has been truly horrifying to hear of the recent cases of spiking across the UK including Edinburgh. After a year of lockdowns, we finally have the freedom to go out to bars and clubs only to find that there is now an added danger of being spiked by injection or in your drink. I, myself, have questioned whether I should go out and meet friends which is a sad situation as we should all feel safe to go out without fear of attack. We urge you all to be extra vigilant if you go out this weekend and to look out for each other. Make sure you take care of yourselves and your friends.
If you would like to see a meaningful change to stop this type of gender-based violence, you can show your support by signing this petition
Or by joining the protest on Saturday: STOP SPIKING PROTEST | Facebook
Jordan, VP Welfare:
It sickens me to know that after a year of us all not being able to see our friends or loved ones, now people are having to second guess whether or not they can go out to see friends out of fear of being spiked. In the past year, we have seen how we as a society need to change so we can all live our lives fairly and safe. I’m directing this part of my statement to anyone who turns a blind eye when we see someone in trouble. We need to step up and act when we get that gut instinct of somethings not right here and acknowledge there are steps we could be taking to stop these sickening acts from taking place. It could be as simple as saying to a member of staff, I don't think that person at the end of the bar is okay. Or reporting when something or someone doesn't look right.
Guys, we have a serious responsibility before we even go into a club or a pub. We need to challenge ourselves and our friends to not be THAT GUY. If we find one of our friends in our group is that guy we need to challenge him or better yet if he starts behaving in a suspicious way while your out, get him out of wherever you are because he is the problem. When we ignore That guy when we don't challenge him, then we become the problem as well. If we are unsure of who that guy is here is a short video from police Scotland about THAT GUY. Challenging that guy and that lad culture is the first step in keeping everyone safe.
For more information on the that-guy campaign click here:
Remember it's not a party if we all can’t enjoy ourselves in a safe environment. Its time to stop putting all of the pressure on victims to keep themself safe when we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe
Victoria, VP Activities:
It deeply saddens me to see such a dramatic rise in the number of drink spiking incidents in recent weeks around the country.
It 👏 Is 👏 Illegal
Whether it is done as a "prank" or maliciously with intent to steal from, harm or assault the victim. It is a crime! It breaks my heart to even have to say it, BUT, please remember 'spikers' do not discriminate! They are predatory individuals, and anyone can fall victim.
You might think it could never happen to you, but you should still look out for yourself when you're having a few drinks, no matter where you are.
As we head toward the festive season I urge you all to remain extra vigilant on behalf of yourself and your friends (and that chatty person in the bathroom). To help make sure everyone gets home safe at the end of the night.
The rise in conversation around the topic means there are an abundance of resources available all over the Internet and I would therefore encourage you ALL to make yourselves aware of the symptoms of spiking and whom to contact if you think that you or a friend has been spiked.
If you or someone you know has been spiked please report it as soon as possible.
If you, or someone you know, have been affected by crime, please contact victim support via Call 08 08 16 89 111 or go to the Victim support website here