As part of this inquiry, the Committee has also launched a public survey to give individuals who have experienced or witnessed incidents of spiking ,the opportunity to explain what happened and what support was provided following the incident, including what happened if the incident was reported.

Background

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

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 press reported several incidents of drink and injection/needle spiking, the victims often being students. The Home Secretary has asked the police for an urgent update on the issues reported, including what steps they are taking to prevent the offences and to catch those responsible.

Survey

As part of this inquiry, the Committee has launched a public survey to give individuals 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. You can complete this survey here until 11.59pm on Wednesday 5 January 2022.

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