Inquiry launched on spiking

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A recent poll found that 1 in 9 women and 1 in 17 men in the UK say they have been the victim of drink spiking, and one in three women and one in five men knew someone who had been a victim of drink spiking

An inquiry into spiking has been launched by the Home Affairs Committee – with affected individuals invited to share evidence in a public survey.

The inquiry will aim to get a better understanding of the prevalence of spiking, the forms it takes and the impact it has had on victims. It will also look at the response of the police and partner organisations, such as night-time industries, universities, councils and third sector organisations, in the prevention and detection of spiking.

As part of the committee’s overarching work into violence against women and girls, it wishes to explore the incidence of spiking at nightclubs and pubs, festivals and private house parties.

A public survey has been launched to give those who have experienced or witnessed spiking the opportunity to explain what happened and what support was provided following the incident, including what happened if the incident was reported. You can also share why you might have chosen not to report an incident.

Drink spiking has been prevalent for many years. Research by the BBC found there were at least 2,650 reports of drink spiking in England and Wales between 2015 and 2019.

A recent poll found that 1 in 9 women and 1 in 17 men in the UK say they have been the victim of drink spiking, and one in three women and one in five men knew someone who had been a victim of drink spiking.

In October 2021, the national press reported several incidents of drink and injection/needle spiking, the victims often being students.

You can complete the survey here until 11.59pm on Wednesday 5 January 2022.

You can also submit written evidence to the committee by 12 noon on Wednesday 19 January 2022.

If you have any questions, please contact homeaffcom@parliament.uk

Advice to victims of drink-spiking:

If you or your friends start to feel strange or unwell then you should get help and seek medical advice straight away. Incidents should be reported to the police.

You can also call the Victims Support Helpline on 0300 303 0162.