As the festive season approaches, Leeds is launching a new campaign to help tackle the issue of spiking and keep people safe on nights out.
The Stop the Spike campaign is providing nightlife venues across the city with training and resources to help staff recognise the signs of spiking and respond effectively. It also aims to raise awareness among the public about what to look out for and where to turn for support.
The campaign comes after conversations between Women Friendly Leeds (WFL) and the cityโs universities highlighted spiking as a main concern for students and young people.
Spiking is when someone adds alcohol or drugs to someone elseโs drink or body without their knowledge or consent. This can happen through drinks, injections, cigarettes, vapes, food or other methods.
Spiking is a criminal offence, even if no assault or attack follows and carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
The Stop the Spike campaign encourages those who think they have been spiked to report it to the police.
Everyone reacts differently and signs of spiking can include:
- Sudden confusion or feeling unwell
- Vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty speaking clearly
- Blackouts or memory loss
A key focus for the campaign is to ensure people know what support is available and how to access it.
Night life venues across Leeds have signed up to receive specialist training on what to do if someone suspects they or a friend have been spiked, or if they spot someone displaying symptoms of spiking. So far, 24 venues have completed the training and another 15 are signed up.
Drink covers are also available at many venues in the city centre and along the Otley Run route to help reduce the risk of drink tampering.
Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Councilโs executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: โWe want everyone enjoying our night life to have a good night and get home safely. Sadly, spiking is a national problem and we want to make sure that everyone who goes out in Leeds is aware of what signs to look out for, and that there is support around.
โIf you or someone else suspect you have been spiked, speak to a friend, venue staff or security and they can help you and make sure you are safe. It is never your fault, and reporting to the police will help us stop the spike.โ
Temporary Chief Inspector Rob Hughes, of Leeds District, said: โWe are now approaching Christmas party season, and we want everyone to be able to safely enjoy the varied nightlife that Leeds offers. The police clearly have a key part to play in this, but we also need the support of other agencies, licensed premises and the wider public in raising awareness and understanding of what to do if a suspected incident of spiking has occurred.
โSpiking can have a significant, traumatic impact on victims. While most recorded offences do not lead on to any sexual offence, there is understandably concern for the victim about who the perpetrator was, what their motives were and the vulnerable position they were left in. The vast majority of victims of spiking are women and our commitment to tackling spiking is part of our wider work to reduce violence and sexual violence against women and girls.
โEarly reporting is key as drugs can pass through the system quickly. We would strongly encourage anyone who is a victim of spiking to report it to police straight away to give us the best chances of capturing evidential opportunities. The effects of spiking may mean that a victim isย unable to contact the police themselves, so we need others to remain vigilant to the signs of spiking to ensure that victims receive the right care.โ
Shreena Gobey, Womenโs Night Safe Space Coordinator said: โNights out in Leeds is why lots of people love the city, including me. I am extremely proud that partners and venues are coming together to listen and act on the voices and experiences from our WFL Spike Report. This campaign improves and celebrates good practice, supports people feel safe to ask for help and focuses on welfare and compassion for all.โ
Local support is also available from West Yorkshire Police,ย Leeds City Council, street marshals, Womenโsย Night Safe Space and Angels of Freedom. Learn more: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/campaign/night-safe
Visit the Stop the Spike campaign page for more information: https://womenfriendlyleeds.org/stop-the-spike/
