Trigger Warnings: Sexual Violence, Drink-spiking, Alcohol, violence against women and substance misuse)
Our students' wellbeing at the University of West London is our number one priority and we are committed to ensuring you can enjoy a safe night out at all our venues.
You may be aware of reports of drinking happening across different venues such as bars and pubs across the UK. Here at UWLSU, we promise to do everything that we possibly can to keep students safe on nights out and support anybody who has experienced spiking or any other form of gender-based violence.
What is spiking?
Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or body without their knowledge, or consent. This can happen with a drink or even via a needle.
Spiking somebody could be several criminal offences, which can carry sentences up to 10 years in prison; even when no other offence like theft or assault has happened.
What are the signs of somebody who has been spiked?
Symptoms of somebody who has been spiked could include:
- Mental confusion or memory loss
- Hallucinations or paranoia
- Seizures
- An unusually long hangover or a severe hangover when you had little or no alcohol to drink
- Disorientation/ visual problems
- Inability to communicate clearly
- Paranoia
- Poor coordination/ loss of balance
- Poor visibility
- Unconsciousness
- Loss of bladder control
- Nausea
- Vomiting
It is worth remembering though, that some of these behaviors can also be mistaken for somebody who is drunk, so it’s important to look out for somebody who seems unusually confused on a night out.
What to do if you suspect somebody has been spiked at one of our venues or activities?
- Listen: Stay alert, stay with them and keep speaking to them
- Report: Alert a member of staff that are working on the event immediately. Our team are specifically trained to deal with this. Our SU will then support you through the reporting process over the following days.
- Medical Help: Once you have reported this to us, we will determine what medical help the individual requires.
- Safe Space: We will take the individual to one of our designated safe spaces, away from large crowds.
- Safety: We will then ensure the safety of the individual, ensuring they get additional support where required and will provide a safe way to get home.
What to do if you suspect somebody has been spiked outside of our venues or activities?
- Listen: Stay alert, stay with them and keep speaking to them
- Report: Alert a member of staff/ security that are at the venue you are in.
- Medical Help: If they are showing any symptoms of being spiked, encourage the individual to attend A&E, or call 999 yourself (if you are within a venue request this from their staff team)
- Safe Space: Find a safe space away from large groups of people where another trusted person can find you, if you’re struggling with this speak to a member of staff who can guide towards a safe space
- Safety: Make sure they are home safely and are with somebody who you both know and trust
- Prevent: Try to prevent them from drinking any more alcohol and be wary of others around that individual.
If you or anybody suspects that sexual assault has taken place at the time of the spiking, please go to your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for specialist support.
What are some practical measures you can take to help protect yourself and others against the risk of spiking?
- Always get your own drink and watch it being made and given to you.
- Do not accept any drinks from strangers
- Never leave drinks unattended or drink a drink that has been left unattended.
- Never assume a friend is merely drunk – ensure they get home safely.
- Avoid drinking from communal jugs or bowls at parties.
- Avoid sharing or swapping drinks
- Alert staff if you see anybody acting suspiciously around your or somebody else's drink
Steps we're taking:
Drink Covers and Testing
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Bottle tops and drink covers are available at the bar, just ask a member of the bar staff
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Unattended drinks will be removed
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Suspicious drinks will be tested with spiking strips
Secure Door Entry
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Only ticket holders are provided with admission to the event
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A record of all attendees’ details will be on file
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Searches will be conducted on larger-scale events
CCTV
Safe and Quiet Spaces
Ask for Angela
Our policies are consistently reviewed and updated.
Where to get support:
Being spiked can be a scary experience. If you have been a victim of spiking, you can get in touch with Victim Support who are an independent charity dedicated to supporting victims of crime or traumatic incidents.
If you feel you or others are at immediate risk at one of our venues, please report this immediately to a member of SU staff. If you are outside one of our venues, you should call the police on 999.