Misconceptions about the nature of drink spiking are common, and data on the scale of the problem limited, admits the group Universities UK, which has published a practice note on what unis can do about the crime. As UUK states, concerns grew last autumn after a significant increase in reports of spiking across the general population.
Hence ahead of the start of the 2022-23 year, universities are being urged to prepare their students with information on how to prevent spiking and on what to do if it does occur. The note is the initial output of a working group, originally convened by ministers at the Department of Education, and chaired by Prof Lisa Roberts, Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter.
It outlines principles and considerations, plus an ‘immediate actions’ checklist to respond to an incident, and includes best-practice examples of work at institutions. The note outlines how:
When dealing with spiking and communicating its risks, universities must understand and recognise its complexities. It is not only a crime that impacts women, or one necessarily linked to sexual violence and assault. It may not even involve the use of illegal drugs. Failure to recognise this can make it less likely that some students will report it.
Any communications should focus on the perpetrator and not the victim – well-used simplistic messaging like ‘don’t leave your drink unattended’ put the impetus on the potential victim. Communications should focus on deterring the perpetrator, and then helping victims or witnesses to report incidents.
The disciplinary process for perpetrators must be clear and well-explained.
Universities should have an ‘open door’ policy on reporting and be clear that information students disclose in this process, as victims or as witnesses, will not result in negative consequences for them.
A ‘multi-partner approach’ is needed, with universities working with student unions, local police, nighttime venues and NHS, in recognition that this is a wider problem which cannot be tackled by one sector alone. Student representatives must also help design awareness campaigns, be consulted and heard.
Drafted by Prof Nicole Westmarland, Director of the Durham University Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse, the notice was put together with students (including those spiked), campaigners, the police, and others.
Prof Roberts said: “Spiking is a horrific crime that nobody should have to experience or fear. While the true scale of the problem is uncertain, we do know that every student should be able to safely enjoy the social opportunities of university life without feeling afraid.
“The entire higher education community needs to understand the risks, and universities can help be part of the solution. We want university life to be as safe and enjoyable as possible for every student and to deliver that outcome, universities will look to work closely with local police, healthcare providers and partners in the night-time economy to help ensure everyone can safely enjoy the nightlife of our local towns and cities.”
What SAVI say
Mark Morgan runs the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI) self-assessment scheme, by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (CPI), aimed at owners and operators of licensed premises. He said: “We’ve seen a lot of adverse media in relation to drink spiking within licensed premises over the past year, which is of real concern at a time when there is such a focus upon the safety of women and girls in particular.
“We have been working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to support venues in tackling recent spiking trends and have written good practice guides for venues and customers. Alongside this, we have worked with behavioural scientists from the National Crime Agency to develop offender-focused posters and digital screen displays, targeting those most likely to cause harm and moving away from traditional ‘victim blaming’ campaigns.
“There are simple steps which can be taken to avoid this, from venues displaying prominent signage reminding customers not to leave their drinks unattended and not to accept drinks from strangers; training all staff in the danger of drinks being spiked – remember alcohol is the most common form of spiking, so confirm that the person actually drinking wants double measures etc when ordered, encourage staff to monitor unattended drinks; making all staff aware of the types of vulnerability, what they can do to reduce vulnerability and the necessity to provide immediate assistance to any customer feeling dizzy, disorientated or showing signs of intoxication. If anyone is acting suspiciously around unattended drinks, ask them to leave or call the police immediately if spiking is suspected. Venues can also consider providing stopper devices, such as lids to put on drinking vessels, which can reduce the risk of a drink being spiked.
“For customers, if your drink has been spiked, it’s unlikely that you’ll see, smell or taste any difference, albeit some drugs may taste slightly salty or smell unusual. If you start to feel strange or feel that your drink has had more of an effect on you than it should have, get help immediately. Try to avoid drinking too much alcohol, particularly when in unfamiliar surroundings as you could make risky decisions and become less aware of potential danger. Never leave your drink unattended and keep an eye on your friends’ drinks. Be careful about accepting a drink from someone you don’t know. Think about drinking bottled drinks and avoiding shared drinks. Please don’t provide personal details, especially your address, to someone you’ve just met. You should plan your nights out and travel arrangements, using only recognised travel routes and providers.
“If you think your drink has been tampered with, don’t drink it – tell a trusted friend, relative, medic, police or someone you completely trust immediately. If alone, call someone you trust and get to a safe place. If you need urgent help, call 999. Be wary of accepting help from a stranger and don’t leave with someone you don’t know. If you feel unwell, someone you trust should take you to your nearest A & E department and tell the medical staff that you think you’ve been spiked, being sure to arrange for a trusted friend or relative to then take you home and if necessary, stay with you until any drugs have fully left your system.”
Visit: https://www.licensingsavi.com/.
