You’ve probably heard about it on the news, scrolled through countless posts on social media, and had worrying discussions about it in your friendship group, spiking is on the rise in the UK. This year, however, has brought about a new wave of spiking cases, via needles.
Imagine going out and not being able to relax in fear of being drugged by a stranger or even pricked by a needle. Unfortunately, for women in the UK, this reality endangers their every outing. Gone are the days where our main concerns were the vulgar words thrown at us by strange men from across the street or hearing the horn of a man's car as he attempts to catch our eye. Don’t get me wrong, this is still uncomfortable , but to add to the joy of heading out at night is now the gut-wrenching fear and anxiety that we may not make it home safe after hitting the dance floor. Something needs to change.
Firstly, some common myths about spiking must be addressed, including the belief that it happens to women only. Anybody can be spiked. Regardless of gender identity, spiking does not discriminate. Whilst statistics and social media portrayals make it clear to us that women are the key victims, we mustn’t forget that it is possible for anybody to find themselves in this situation.
Secondly, instances of spiking are not, contrary to popular belief, exclusive to clubs and bars. Think back to that house party you attended last week, were you watching your drink at all times? I will assume that your answer is, probably not. This is because we are led to believe that at home, or in somebody else’s home, we are in a safe environment. Often, this is the case, however, there are increasing reports of spiking occurring in non-public areas such as house parties. We may assume that everybody knows each other and therefore it is easy to convince ourselves that the chances of being spiked are low. In actual fact, however, stranger danger is not always your biggest worry. Often, people are spiked by someone they know, contradicting the common belief that spiking victims are chosen at random. The issue with spiking in private venues is that no security staff are on hand to help, nor is there CCTV evidence of the act, making it increasingly difficult to monitor.
A third widely held belief, which is being demythologised as we speak, is the idea that spiking only occurs via pills being slipped into drinks. As many are now aware, from countless stories emerging in the press, other forms are arising, such as spiking by injection.
Another issue, noted by many women who have been spiked, is the stigma that surrounds it. Interviewed by BBC reporter Megan Lawton, 27-year-old Tara Berwin spoke about her experience after being spiked, stating: “to this day people roll their eyes and say it was my fault”. Victims feel shame in speaking out in fear of not being believed by friends and the authorities. Victim-blaming comments such as ‘you were just too drunk’ and ‘it happens’ lead individuals to feel embarrassed and implies that being spiked is the victim's fault.
This prompts the question; is it our responsibility to keep ourselves safe on a night out? If this is the case, I can put a lid over my cup of vodka lemonade and say job done, but what about spiking via injection? Must I be fully clothed, head to toe, so as not to be injected by a needle? What about needles that can pierce through clothing? Then what? We can try our best to protect ourselves when out and about but, in reality, prevention must be tackled at its origins. The problem lies with the perpetrator, and always will, so the solution must lie with them too.
Written by Camille Garratt
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