This week we’ve been made aware of more potential reports of spiking in Canterbury.
This week we’ve been made aware of more potential reports of spiking in Canterbury. We take these very seriously and are working with relevant partners on this matter, but most importantly we need to say that drink spiking is never the fault of the victim.
Once again, drink spiking is a crime and can lead to up to 10 years in prison, or an even higher term if it is used to commit other offences like sexual assault or robbery.
Report it
If you think you have been a victim of, or witnessed, drink spiking then report this to the police, as well as CCCU Report and Support. If spiking happens in a licensed venue then you can report it to the duty manager and you can expect them to support you and those affected.
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The drinkaware advice on drink spiking can be found here.
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The University’s student wellbeing support pages can be found here.
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The University’s Report & Support page can be found here.
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Safe Nights Out article can be found here.
It is unacceptable that we still have to adjust our behaviour to stay safe and we believe that you should be able to enjoy yourself without the fear of drink spiking. Unfortunately that isn’t always the case and there are some practical things you can do to stay safe on nights out:
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Keep an eye on your drink, at all times.
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Be aware of what you’re consuming and never take a drink that hasn’t been prepared in front of you. Don’t accept drinks from others.
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If your drink doesn’t taste right, don’t finish it. If your drink tastes stronger than it should, it may have been spiked using alcohol.
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If someone appears too over-friendly and is eager to buy you to drink, be extra cautious.
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If you are feeling harassed ALWAYS alert venue staff – use the Ask Angela code to do this discreetly.
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Always tell friends where you are going. If you meet new people and are going to go somewhere else, tell your friends.
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Keep an eye out for each other. If your friends appear drunker than you’d expect, dizzier or are slurring their words, make sure they’re ok and stick together.
Christ Church Students’ Union